Residents in Puslinch are contending with a troubling issue as the water flowing from their taps carries a strong, unpleasant odor. Numerous individuals have expressed their concerns online about the peculiar stench permeating their homes.
“It’s a very pungent odor,” remarked Susan Fielding, a resident near Highway 401, describing the two-week ordeal of enduring the offensive scent. “It has a rotten vegetable-type smell,” she added.
To mitigate any risks, Fielding and her family have refrained from consuming the water, and many neighbors are similarly cautious when it comes to showering. Fielding estimates that around 25 households in the area have been affected, based on her conversations with neighbors and posts she has seen online.
“The issue spans approximately 500 meters down Highway 6 on both the east and west sides,” Fielding revealed.
The concerns extend beyond the foul odor; safety is a paramount worry for residents. Given the rural nature of the area, where most homes rely on well and septic systems, residents bear the responsibility of ensuring their water is clean.
Fielding, who serves as the Puslinch representative on the board of the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), emphasized the profound impact of water quality on people’s lives. She referenced the Walkerton water crisis over two decades ago, when E. coli contamination resulted in severe health consequences.
“Water is life. So it’s really hard to function and run your home if you don’t have decent water,” Fielding asserted.
The Township of Puslinch responded to the issue in an email, stating that it is likely a matter for the Public Health Unit and potentially the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). The township is currently informing affected residents and providing them with contact information for the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health and the MECP – Guelph District Office.
However, when contacted by CTV News, the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health stated that the matter was not within their purview and advised reaching out to the municipality.
While residents await clarification regarding the cause of the issue and any potential health risks, local water bottling company Blue Triton has stepped in to provide some relief. They generously donated pallets of bottled water to affected residents and arranged for a well specialist to conduct thorough testing at homes experiencing the foul-smelling water.