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And not a drop to drink
Broadcast Date: Oct. 16, 2000
Like many others in Walkerton, Bruce Davidson still hasn't turned on his taps. Five months after the boil-water advisory was issued, the warning is still in effect. This means that Davidson must wash his vegetables with bottled water. His two children take their baths at their grandmother's house in a neighbouring town. Trips to the water distribution centre have become a routine part of his day.Walkerton residents continue to be frustrated and distressed. At a meeting of the Concerned Citizens of Walkerton, Davidson argues that the provincial government has yet to recognize the magnitude of the tragedy. "Recognize that this is a disaster," he says in this CBC Television documentary. "The houses are still standing but the people have been flattened."
And not a drop to drink
• In August 2000, new drinking water laws were passed in Ontario. "For the first time in Ontario's history, universal water quality standards, and testing and reporting requirements will have the force of law," said Environment Minister Dan Newman. The new regulations included required routine sampling and testing of water by accredited labs. These labs will be obligated to file direct and urgent reports to the ministry if the water is found to be contaminated.• On December 5, 2000, Dr. Murray McQuigge lifted the boil-water advisory in Walkerton after the town performed a rigorous and thorough cleaning and machine upgrade. "Today's announcement means a gigantic burden has been lifted off our shoulders," Mayor Dave Thomson said at a press conference. "Today is a day for optimism."
• Walkerton residents however were still reluctant to drink the water. Carolyn Schneider, 25, told the Lethbridge Herald that she would not drink the water again. "I won't," she said. "Once bit, twice shy. I don't know how to explain it."
And not a drop to drink
Medium: Television
Program: The National
Broadcast Date: Oct. 16, 2000
Guest(s): Bruce Davidson, Ronica Davidson
Host: Alison Smith
Reporter: Dan Bjarnason
Duration: 11:23
Last updated:
May 4, 2005
Television
4:32
Four people have died and hundreds more are sick after drinking polluted water in Walkerton, Ont.
Radio
11:19
Dr. Murray McQuigge makes a stunning declaration about who is responsible for the tainted water tragedy.
And not a drop to drink.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: May 4, 2005.
[Page consulted on Feb. 13, 2012.]