Public Notice | North Pond Water Update | November 25, 2025

Good afternoon residents of Torbay.

Further to our recent messaging, the results of all water testing on supplemental water sources for North Pond have now been provided. As indicated in a previous public update, the Town intended to pump water from Island Pond Brook into North Pond in order to restore the North Pond water supply to sustainable levels throughout the winter. Before doing so, the brook was tested for a number of parameters, including Total PFAS. While the lab reported Total PFAS as non-detect, it did note trace amounts of one specific PFAS (perfluoropentanoic acid) at 3.1 ng/L. Please note that Total PFAS results are based on the testing of 25 specific PFAS, as recommended by Health Canada. Given these trace amounts of PFAS, the Town sampled the brook a second time, with similar results.

While these results are far below the standard of 30 ng/L, out of an abundance of caution the Town decided to test other sources, including Western Island Pond and Whiteway Pond, resulting in the delay in pumping water into North Pond. The Town recently received these results, and the lab has reported trace amounts of PFAS in Western Island Pond, similar to Island Pond Brook, but no detectable PFAS in Whiteway Pond. The results of Whiteway Pond are similar to North Pond, where ongoing testing continues to show no detectable PFAS.

Based on these results, the Town has decided to pump water from Whiteway Pond into North Pond. We are currently sourcing the necessary equipment and supplies and will begin the process as soon as everything is purchased and installed.

Please note the precautionary boil water order and water ban will remain in effect until we have raised North Pond to an acceptable water level and appropriate testing has been completed.  

The Town has been working closely with the provincial Water Resources Management Division and are grateful for their guidance and support as we work through this difficult water shortage. We have advised TransportCanada, Minister Joanne Thompson and Minister Joedy Wall on the current situation and our plans moving forward.

Council and staff of the Town of Torbay would like to thank residents for their continued patience and support throughout this difficult time, and we want to ensure you we are taking all necessary precautions to provide a safe and reliable water supply throughout the winter and beyond.