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Water supply restored for flood-battered District of Kent road

Residents have returned home to potable drinking water, district officials say
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Construction workers continue rebuilding Rockwell Drive in the District of Kent. Residents have returned home weeks ahead of schedule thanks to work running faster than anticipated. (Colin Caldwell/Contributed)

Residents of Rockwell Drive in the District of Kent have returned to their homes now that road access has been restored and water infrastructure – along with safe drinking water – is back in place.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Feb. 12, the District of Kent said the waterline is now fixed and chlorinated. Fraser Health officials have tested the supply and have confirmed it is now safe to drink. Residents have already received notice that the water is now safe for both consumption and cooking.

District officials further extended their thanks to Chilliwack Water Store for their donation of 100 four-litre jugs of potable water for the affected residents.

RELATED: Water testing underway for Rockwell Drive area

While a local state of emergency remains in effect as of publication, district officials have rescinded the evacuation order for Rockwell Drive now that it is being rebuilt following its destruction due to a flood in mid-January. Residents evacuated dozens of homes and were expecting to stay away from the area for upwards of one month.

RELATED: Rockwell Drive closed in both directions

However, the District of Kent announced on Monday, Feb. 12, that the work to restore the street to working order again proceeded much faster than planned, meaning most residents were able to head home within the course of about a week. Mayor Sylvia Pranger praised the swift work of provincial authorities, Emil Anderson Maintenance, the Agassiz RCMP, Kent-Harrison Search and Rescue and staff from the District of Kent.

Any residents with further questions concerning the water notice can contact Patrick Stephens, district engineering technologist at 604-796-2235 or email him at pstephens@kentbc.ca.



adam.louis@ahobserver.com

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