York Region improves local water supplies

NEWMARKET – York Region is upgrading the water supply to Aurora, Newmarket, Holland Landing, Sharon and Queensville, as part of an overall plan to increase and improve the available water supply to the area. The enhancements begin at the end of this month.

The current water disinfection process will be changed from chlorination (adding chlorine) to chloramination (adding chlorine and ammonia), and the existing groundwater supply will be supplemented with water from the City of Toronto.

The change in the treatment process will result in no noticeable differences in the water supply. The vast majority of consumers will not be affected by the change to chloramination. With the addition of the City of Toronto water - to Aurora and Newmarket only - consumers will begin to receive a small amount of fluoride in their water.

Home kidney dialysis patients, tropical fish hobbyists and commercial/industrial consumers with water-sensitive equipment should be aware, however, and take appropriate steps to remove chloramines from their water.

The attached brochure is being sent to all households, and information on the change has been sent to all York Region doctors, dentists and businesses (including pet stores). Copies are also being sent to the Chambers of Commerce.

If you have any questions about the upgrades, please contact these professionals, visit the water supply link at www.region.york.on.ca, or call 1-877-464-9675 ext. 5114 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 1-888-YORK-H2O (1-888-967-5426) after hours.

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, the services we offer and links to our nine area municipalities, please visit our Web site at: www.region.york.on.ca.

Contact: Patrick Casey, Senior Media Relations Specialist, York Region

• (905) 830-4444, ext. 1235
• Email: patrick.casey@region.york.on.ca