"Since government cut the grant that was used to maintain the community pump-house, there has been no access to clean drinking water in the community," said Jones. "At times, residents have been able to access the water supply at the local fish plant and carry it to their homes using plastic buckets. Now that the plant is preparing for the Winter months, there will be no further access to this supply.

"Before the Liberal government invested into the community water supply, residents were dependent on artesian wells that have been proven unsafe for consumption. The water has been tested by government and found to be high in bacteria and e-coli during routine testing. There are no other options for clean water than restarting the community water supply. I have written Municipal and Provincial Affairs Minister Jack Byrne asking him to reinstate the $35,000 annual grant so the water supply can be restarted.

"We have a water supply that is sitting there unused at this time. After an initial investment of $600,000 to build the system, it only makes sense that government reinstate this small grant to pay for the electrical, treatment and other operating costs to ensure a safe water supply for the people of Black Tickle."

The Liberal MHA is concerned that residents are already facing hardship due to a lack of work during the summer and now have to face a lack of clean water. "Most people in the community are waiting for details of the job creation program to see if they can qualify for their EI benefits for the Winter. Not having access to clean water just makes an already hard situation worse."