Half of the territory of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is still without running water, more than 48 hours after a major pipe break in the municipality.
The municipality no longer has any hope of restoring the situation before Thursday at the earliest and has just declared a local state of emergency.
“Given the complexity of the situation, the return of drinking water supply to the west bank [du Richelieu] remains undetermined,” the city said in a press release. The state of emergency “grants exceptional powers to the City, in order to take immediate solution actions in the context of a complex and evolving situation”.
The pipe rupture occurred at the intersection of Saint-Jacques and Caldwell streets on Monday. The drinking water pipe in question has a diameter of 75 centimeters and supplied the Saint-Luc, L’Acadie, Saint-Jean and Île Sainte-Thérèse districts. “The repair work on the aqueduct pipe is progressing,” indicates Saint-Jean. This is a complex and technical operation that requires time and specialized parts. »
Bottled water distribution points have been set up by the City at Carrefour Richelieu (600, rue Pierre-Caisse) and at the terminus (800, rue Boucher). “On site, citizens can receive two four-liter containers of drinking water free of charge per address. Distribution is done via a drive-thru service at both locations,” indicates the City. “It is important to bring your own bottles or containers. Filling is done independently. »
Some residents in affected areas continue to receive very low water flow in their taps. This water must be boiled before consumption and must be spared, indicates Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, launching a “call for solidarity”.