As unprecedented water levels recede markedly in parts of flood-stricken New Brunswick, residents are being warned to treat the floodwaters and anything they may have contaminated with caution.
The Emergency Measures Organization warned Wednesday that water should not be consumed from private wells until they have been tested, since raw sewage has fouled floodwaters that have also likely been mixed with rotting animal carcasses, fuel and other debris.
Four parks have also been closed in Saint John due to possible contamination from the floodwaters, which remained above flood level in the city.
Downey said they appear to be hitting their targets and if that continues, many areas could be below flood levels by Sunday.
Mike Kearney, who has a cottage on the same street as Oland, was monitoring the floods from his home in Vancouver and decided to catch a flight back last week to help ward off floodwaters in the neighbourhood.
Kearney, who is originally from New Brunswick, said his cottage did suffer some damage, but his mother’s house on the same road was spared.
It will dry out," said Kearney.
Downey said the prolonged business of cleaning up will soon get underway, with some people starting to return to their waterlogged properties and clear away debris.
The Trans-Canada Highway between Moncton and Fredericton remained closed, while dozens of roads in communities along the Saint John River were still shut to traffic.
Downey said people should still respect closed streets, even if they appear dry.