Grey Bruce Public Health is reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the Walkerton E. coli outbreak which led to 7 deaths and 2300 people getting sick.
Public health is encouraging all to reflect on the lives lost and the lessons learned which led to changes to Ontario’s drinking water regulations.
During this time in May 2000, the then Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Health Unit began investigating a gastroenteritis outbreak in Walkerton and southern Bruce County who confirmed the municipal water supply was causing the E. coli outbreak.
The outbreak then led to a comprehensive overhaul to the province’s drinking water regulations and the creation of the Walkerton Clean Water Centre.