NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF MIDLAND
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With the COVID-19 pandemic beginning to spread in Ontario, the Water and Wastewater Services Team acted quickly in developing and implementing a COVID-19 Response Action Plan.
Thanks to these efforts, not only has the delivery of safe, clean drinking water for residents continued uninterrupted, they ensured that the treatment of wastewater, protection of human health, the environment and staff could remain a top priority during these troubling times.
“Our Water and Wastewater Services team has gone above and beyond during this challenging situation,” said Andy Campbell, Executive Director of Environment & Infrastructure.
“Despite significant changes to staff processes, routines and scheduling, our team has worked hard to successfully deliver the services Midland residents have come to expect.” Water and Wastewater Services have also begun the annual uni-directional flushing of the system, and fire hydrant inspections; as well as been involved in new watermain commissioning as part of the King Street Rejuvenation Project.
During this time, the team has also achieved milestones within a newly implemented wastewater maintenance program, which leverages the use of technology to gain process efficiencies, increase communication and limits the amount of physical interaction during this emergency.
The Town of Midland has ensured that the Water and Wastewater Services team is protected during the COVID19 pandemic with:
- The uni-directional flushing teams having signage displayed on trucks asking for residents to ensure physical distancing measures are followed;
- Teams being supplied with Personal Protective Equipment, disinfectants, and sanitizer, when required for work tasks; and
- Staff are prepared to respond to emergencies, such as watermain breaks and sanitary sewer issues.
“The amount of work and dedication shown by our team has been amazing,” said Chuck Fiddy, Manager of Water and Wastewater Services. “Working on smaller crews, working in different locations, focusing on physical distancing while still completing urgent jobs, regardless of what changes have been implemented, the Water and Wastewater Services team have risen to the challenge.”
The Town of Midland will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates on the Town of Midland website at Midland.ca/COVID-19, and we encourage residents to follow our social media channels for updates as well, @MidlandON on Twitter, and @townofmidland on Facebook.
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org
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