Some facts about the Walkerton water tragedy
TORONTO – Twenty years ago, contaminated water poisoned the drinking water in Walkerton, Ont. Some facts:
What happened: Manure laden with e.coli O157:H7 seeped into a well supplying drinking water to town. Seven people died; 2,300 fell ill
Fallout: Two brothers who ran the water system were criminally convicted for falsifying records
Public Inquiry: Concluded water operators, lax oversight and enforcement, and government cost-cutting contributed to disaster
Reforms: Successive provincial governments passed sweeping legislation designed to enhance every aspect of drinking water safety
Class Action: Compensation payouts topped $75 million
Source: The Canadian Press
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
