In the wake of student complaints regarding the contaminated water supply at McMaster University’s downtown residence building on 10 Bay St. South, the university has announced its decision to chlorinate the water in an attempt to address the issue. The building, fraught with various concerns such as milky-white water, bug infestation, and electrical outages, has caused health problems among residents, including rashes and stomach issues reportedly caused by the discolored water. Despite previous attempts at flushing the system, the most recent water test revealed the presence of total coliforms. In response, the university has now undergone the chlorination process, with water sampling set to take place on every floor and the results expected by next week.
The university officials have reiterated that the presence of total coliforms does not typically pose health risks, citing Public Health Ontario. However, in order to address the concerns of the affected students, the university will be offering one-on-one appointments for residents to discuss and resolve any issues from next week onwards. In the meantime, residents have been advised to use alternative water sources or boil water if necessary.
The students residing in the building have faced numerous challenges, as the construction on the building has continued for several months. Reports from residents have highlighted the detrimental impact on their health, with some experiencing rashes, fevers, and a general sense of insecurity living in the building. Mehdi Saleh, an international student from Iran, described his experience as feeling like he is living in a prison.
In response to the ongoing issues, a group called CUPE 3906 Tenant Solidarity Working Group at 10 Bay has been formed by the students. The group has penned an open letter to the university, listing their demands for action. These include a 75% rent refund for the months of November and December, as well as a 60% rent reduction until the construction is completed.
While the university has offered a 50% refund for September and 25% refunds for October, November, and December, the working group claims that the university has not directly communicated with them regarding their demands.
Elliot Goodell Ugalde, one of the co-chairs of the working group, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of direct communication from McMaster officials and emphasized the importance of meeting the demands, which encompass both fiscal and health and safety concerns.
As students anxiously await the results of the recent chlorination process, they hope that they will finally have access to clean water in their residences.
