St. Stephen isolates water supply issue, boil water order continues

Laurel Miller says she unknowingly drank the water in St. Stephen for two days without knowing there was a boil water advisory. 

She was told by a cashier at the local grocery store after she said she experienced a sore stomach and headache for several days after drinking the water. 

“I was very angry, and I started to cry because I’m just that type of a personality that I was livid,” she said. “Just because of past problems I’ve had with my own water issues in the house.” 

Laurel Miller said she is concerned about those who have limited access to technology. (Patrick Watt/The Courier)

Doctors at the Charlotte County Hospital did run tests, she explained, and she is awaiting those results. 

Miller didn’t have Alertable, the main method of communication for issues with the Municipal District of St. Stephen to its residents. It has used that app and service to communicate regularly with the residents. 

“I got so angry and I’m just frustrated with the town over the water issues,” she said, speaking to prior issues with discoloured and sediment-filled water. “I feel for older people that don’t even have the limited capabilities I have with my phone that have no idea they’re drinking spoiled water because it was clear.” 

On Feb. 19, The Courier observed two samples of discoloured water. One was filled with an algae-like brown substance, the other yellowish. However, when Miller ran her water from the tap, it ran clear. 

She said other people on social media have expressed that she isn’t alone in her periodically discoloured water. 

“I just feel like something’s going on and it’s not good for people,” she said. 

Miller said she does understand that informing everyone is very complicated – knowing people have different methods of communication and needs. 

“That’s a hard situation,” she said. 

Her water has been discoloured and has a thick, brown, algae like substance in it. (Patrick Watt/The Courier)

However, the town said work is continuing in an update on Feb. 19, contending with inclement weather and frigid temperatures making the work additionally challenging. 

“Today, the Municipal District of St. Stephen has implemented operational changes, which isolated the problematic area,” a message on Alertable said. “This has allowed an agreement with the Department of Health to begin water testing with the ultimate goal of lifting the current boil water order.” 

It confirmed, in the Alertable update, that the first sample was taken on Feb. 19 and another will be taken on Feb. 20. 

“If both tests return acceptable results, the department would be in a position to lift the boil water order,” it said. “While an issue remains at the Maxwell Crossing facility, work will resume when (the) required parts/equipment arrive.” 

Sean Morton, the town’s deputy chief administrative officer, said those parts are delayed due to weather-related issues in Ontario – which has been battered by winter storms. 

Residents, according to the Alertable, should expect the boil water order to last until at least Friday. 

MDSS is encouraging everyone to share this information with family, friends and neighbors to ensure everyone understands and has the information needed.