Frazil ice has caused operational issues at the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant, and the Town of Collingwood has stopped moving water to its customer municipalities while it gets the issue sorted out.
The town is also calling on Collingwood residents to limits their water use for the day.
According to a notice posted by the town in the morning of Jan. 22, there's been some frazil ice accumulation affecting the plant's ability to produce enough treated drinking water..
“Operators continue to work to resolve the issue; however, at this time, treated water production is limited,” notes the release. “We ask that residents limit unnecessary water use for today and into the evening.”
The release says that residents limiting their water use will help preserve the town’s stored water in the event of a fire emergency.
“We appreciate any action you can do such as saving your wash loads for another day and limiting toilet flushes and showering,” notes the release.
Frazil ice is the thin layer of ice that forms on open water, usually on clear nights when the water and air temperatures plummet. It consists of loose, randomly oriented needle-like ice crystals. Frazil ice sinks, quickly increases in size and easily adheres to structures including water intake pipes.
According to the release, the town will provide an update on the situation at 3 p.m. today.
