Sutton on Alert for Water and Heat
On Sunday, the Town issued a water restriction notice for the mountain sector to protect our water reserves, which have been greatly diminished by drought and excessive consumption over the weekend.
Given the situation, we are announcing several water-related measures and recommendations to cope with the current intense heat.
Water Restriction in the Mountain Sector
Water reserves in the reservoir supplying the mountain sector’s aqueduct fell below the critical threshold over the weekend due to abnormally high consumption and lack of rain. We are working on solutions to raise the water level:
- Today, Monday, we opened valves at the Mud Lake dam, which supplies the Mud reservoir, to maintain flow;
- Tomorrow, Tuesday, water tanker trucks will begin rotations to supply the main reservoir, to maintain flow;
- This situation is temporary and should only allow us to keep our water reserves at an acceptable level, while awaiting rain;
- Water supply in the Village sector is not problematic; as confirmed by studies published in December 2023, our reserves are sufficient, but we are still monitoring them. Residents of the Village sector are also encouraged to be mindful of their water consumption for conservation purposes.
- A formal ban on outdoor fires is in effect.
The water restriction measures are maintained more than ever:
- Prohibition of outdoor water use for watering gardens, including vegetable gardens, driveways, etc., or for washing cars;
- Restrict domestic water consumption to essential use: drinking, cooking, washing (quick showers).
Extreme Heat: Precautions to Take
Environment Canada is forecasting for the coming days average temperatures reaching over 33°C during the day and 20°C at night, all with a humidex (humidity + index) that could reach or exceed 40°C. These temperatures can affect public health, and the CIUSSSE de l’Estrie-CHUS has initiated a mobilization to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
Our measures this week:
- Monday + Tuesday + Wednesday: the splash pads will remain open exceptionally until 10 PM;
- Monday + Tuesday + Wednesday: Lap swims at the municipal pool are cancelled to offer free swims from 1:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to everyone;
- Umbrellas are being added around the pool to increase shade;
- Increased surveillance of Goyette-Hill Park will be carried out to prevent night swimming (evening and night patrols);
- Tuesday: The day camp will be relocated to the Sutton School gymnasium. Parents have been notified;
- Tuesday: The Sutton Municipal and School Library will be closed on Tuesday because it does not have air conditioning.
Recommendations to avoid the harmful effects of heat:
- STAY WELL HYDRATED: Drink plenty of varied liquids (e.g., water, juice diluted with water, caffeine-free sports drinks) without waiting until you are thirsty or according to quantities indicated by your doctor;
- STAY COOL: Spend at least two hours a day in a cool place ( ideally with air conditioning). If you are outdoors, STAY IN THE SHADE;
- REDUCE PHYSICAL EXERTION: From 10 AM until evening, avoid intense physical activities outdoors;
- WEAR LIGHTWEIGHT AND LIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING;
- USE THE SPLASH PADS at Goyette-Hill Park;
- ENJOY FREE SWIMMING AT THE MUNICIPAL POOL (see above).
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