In a press release Sunday night, the utility said a sewage pump failure is causing “tested but untreated” sewage to be released into the harbor. “Residents and visitors are advised not to go swimming or participate in recreational activities that require contact with water in Halifax Harbor until further notice,” the statement said. The utility is asking people living in Larry Uteck, Park West, Clayton Park, Fairview and parts of Halifax’s west and north ends to reduce the amount of water they flush and pour down their drains. Halifax Water is asking customers in the marked areas to reduce the amount of water they flush and pour down their drains. This will help minimize the potential amount of wastewater released into the environment, the company says. (Halifax Water) “This will help minimize the potential amount of wastewater released into the environment.” It comes just over a week after the company announced the Duffus Street sewage pump had returned to normal operation after another breakdown caused raw sewage and stormwater to flow into the harbour. A pump at the facility was replaced after that failure, Halifax Water spokesman Jake Fulton said. “This replaced pump is now experiencing some issues and our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to get it back up and running,” said Fulton. Fulton said it’s too early to tell what caused the problems with the replacement pump, and he couldn’t give an estimate of when the problem will be fixed. Halifax Water said Monday morning that it will update when it restores the sewer system to normal operation. “To ensure the safety of our communities and our staff, please maintain a safe distance when Halifax Water staff or contractors are working in your area,” the joint agency said.
