Supply issues and power problems at the Region of Queens water treatment plant are responsible for the ongoing boil water advisory that has affected municipal water users in the Liverpool area for over a month.

Residents relying on municipal services have been unable to consume the water coming out of their pipes since the Region issued the advisory on Aug 9.

A lightning strike at the water treatment plant damaged several essential components.

Mayor Darlene Norman says it took time to acquire replacements for the specialized components, but they are now in hand. However, crews won’t be installing the new parts until they can be sure the power entering the plant is stable and won’t cause further damage.

“At this present time, we are stabilizing energy to the plant. So, Nova Scotia power is working to do that,” said Norman. “We have hired consultants, we've been working with various agencies, we've been working with water utility specialists, we have been working with everyone in the water utility field to solve this problem.”

Norman expects Nova Scotia Power will continue to work at the site into next week.

She says the water quality at the plant is inconsistent and won’t pass tests required by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment to permit lifting the boil water advisory.

The mayor couldn’t offer a timeline but is confident once the power to the plant is stabilized, and the new parts are installed those tests can be met in short order and the boil water advisory will be lifted.

For now, residents are advised to continue boiling water for at least a minute before drinking or any other activity requiring human consumption.

To hear the full interview with Mayor Norman click play below.