Event CategoryDisaster
Event GroupNatural
Event SubgroupBiological
Event TypeEpidemic
PlaceWalkerton ON
Event Start DateMay 19, 2000
Event End DateJuly 14, 2000
CommentsWalkerton ON, May 19 - July 14, 2000. E. coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter jejuni bacteria contaminated Walkerton's drinking water supply through Well 5, sickening more than 2,300 people and killing six. The primary contamination source was manure spread on a farm near Well 5. Contributing factors to this disaster, as identified by the Report on the Walkerton Inquiry, included failure to use continuous cholorine and turbidity monitors, improper operating practices at the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission, and the provincial government's budget reductions to the Ministry of Environment.
Fatalities6
Injured / Infected2300
Evacuated0
Estimated Total Cost$0
Federal DFAA PaymentsUnknown
Provincial DFAA PaymentsUnknown
Provincial Department PaymentsUnknown
Municipal CostsUnknown
OGD CostsUnknown
Insurance PaymentsUnknown
NGO PaymentsUnknown
Utility - People Affected0
Magnitude0.0