Residents in a Newfoundland town on the Avalon Peninsula, whether they rely on well water or the municipal water system, are facing water issues. The mayor has confirmed that efforts are ongoing to tackle the situation. Since summer, residents connected to North Pond, the town’s primary water source, have experienced intermittent water advisories and have been urged to conserve water and adhere to a boil water advisory.
Nikki Grouchy, a resident, expressed frustration over the longstanding poor water quality, describing it as “absolutely horrible” with a foul smell and discoloration. Due to her lack of trust in the water, she avoids giving it to her cat. Additionally, some residents with well water have concerns about potential contamination with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
In response to these challenges, Mayor Craig Scott announced plans to develop Great Pond into a new municipal water source. This development is expected to significantly increase the number of homes connected to the municipal water system. The federal government has allocated $26.8 million to support this project, with the town still needing to contribute approximately $9 million towards its completion.
The town’s 2026 budget totaled $12.2 million, emphasizing the significance of the funding needed for the water development project. Scott highlighted the necessity of the new water supply due to PFAS contamination in the previous water source at South Pond. While there is no set timeline for the project, preparations are underway to issue requests for proposals.
Apart from the Great Pond development, efforts are also being made to install a water treatment plant at North Pond to enhance water quality. Residents like Dalton Tapper, who was an unsuccessful council candidate, have raised concerns about increased sediment in the water leading to quality issues and boil water orders. Water quality problems have become a primary concern for residents, hindering new development and causing uncertainty within the community.
Furthermore, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against the federal government regarding PFAS contamination in well water, allegedly stemming from firefighting foam used at the St. John’s International Airport. The lawsuit involves around 700 households, impacting approximately 2,000 to 2,500 individuals. Mayor Scott noted a growing number of reports of PFAS contamination beyond the initial affected areas. This contamination, along with other water issues, raises concerns about the town’s attractiveness for potential residents and homebuyers.