Why has the Boil Water Advisory been issued?

A boil water advisory is issued by the Medical Officer of Health when CK Public Health receives notification that the drinking water might not be safe. This can happen if the water may have bacteria in it.

Some reasons this can happen are:

• A disease outbreak related to drinking water
• A water main break
• A bad water sample
• Low water pressure
• A problem with the water treatment
• Flooding

To make water safe to drink, boil it until it reaches a rolling boil and keep it boiling for at least one minute. This will kill any bacteria that may be in the water.

How long will a Boil Water Advisory be in place?

It’s hard to say how long a boil water advisory will last. It depends on what caused the problem. During a boil water advisory, CK Public Health ensures that water system staff:

• Complete any needed repairs
• Flush out the affected water system
• Properly treat the water
• Make sure test results show the water is safe
• Keep the water pressure steady

The advisory will end when the Medical Officer of Health is satisfied that these conditions have been met. It is important to continue boiling your water until you receive notice that the boil water advisory is over.

How do I safely use water during a Boil Water Advisory?

Don’t use tap water that hasn’t been boiled. That means don’t drink it, make baby formula, juice, or ice with it, wash fruits and veggies, or brush your teeth with it. Use only boiled, treated, or safe bottled water for those things.

Remember to throw away any ice made before the boil water advisory. Wash your ice trays before using them again. Make new ice using water that was boiled then cooled.

To boil water, the best method is to boil tap water using a pot on the stove. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. If there are children in the home, place the pot on the back burner so they can't touch it. Only boil as much water as you can carry safely without spilling. After boiling, let it cool and store it in the fridge for drinking or food preparation.

Can I use an automatic shut-off electric kettle to boil water for drinking?

Do not use automatic shut-off kettles during a boil water advisory. They might not boil the water long enough to kill harmful bacteria.

If I cannot boil my water, are there other safe sources I can use?

Yes. Packaged bottled water from a safe supply can be used for drinking and other uses during a boil water advisory.

You can also treat tap water using household bleach. Here's how:

• Use regular, unscented bleach (5.25% chlorine).
• Add 2 drops (0.18 mL) of bleach to 4.5 litres of water.
• Stir or shake to mix well.
• Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking.
• If you still smell a little bleach or chlorine odor, it means you have added enough bleach.
• If there's no bleach smell, add the same amount again and wait another 15 minutes.
• If the taste is too strong, let the water sit uncovered for a few hours or pour it back and forth between clean containers to reduce the taste.

How well bleach works to disinfect the water depends on two things: how much bleach is used, and how long the water sits after mixing. The longer the water sits after adding bleach, the better it can kill germs.

Can I drink coffee from a coffee maker that used water that was not boiled?

No. Coffee makers do not reach a rolling boil for one minute. Use previously boiled water or safe bottled water in your coffee maker during a boil water advisory.

Can I take a shower or bath using water that has not been boiled?

Yes, you can take showers and baths using water that hasn't been boiled but be careful not to swallow any of the water. Young children should be watched closely to make sure they do not drink the water.

Can I wash my hands with water that has not been boiled?

Yes, you can use water that has not been boiled for handwashing. If hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also be used.

How should I wash my dishes?

You can still use your dishwasher during a boil water advisory. If your dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle, it is recommended that you use it during a boil water advisory.

If you handwash dishes in the sink, you can continue to wash with soap and water as normal. There is no need to use boiled water to wash utensils.

But if your dishwasher doesn’t have a sanitizing cycle, or if you wash by hand, it’s a good idea to sanitize your dishes after washing. Here’s how:

• Mix regular, unscented bleach (5.25% chlorine) with warm water in a separate part of your sink.
• Use 2-4 mL (or 1/2 teaspoon) of bleach for every 1 liter of warm water.
• Soak the dishes in the solution for 2 minutes.
• Let the dishes air dry completely before using them.

Don't wash and sanitize in the same sink at the same time. Soap, grease and food bits can stop the bleach solution from working.

Can I do my laundry with water that has not been boiled?

Yes, you can continue doing laundry the way you usually do using water that has not been boiled.

I have a water filtration device installed. Does that make the water safe for drinking?

No, water filters do not remove all bacteria from water. To make the water safe to drink, it must still be brought to a rolling boil for one minute before drinking. After the boil water advisory is over, clean, disinfect, or replace your water filter before using it again.

Is the water safe to fill wading pools for children?

No, the water is not safe for use in wading pools or for water play because children may swallow it.

Can I continue to feed my pets tap water that has not been boiled?

No. During a boil water advisory, pets should be provided with safe bottled water or water that has been boiled.

Should I flush my taps after the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted?

Before the boil water advisory ends, CK Public Health will make sure the water system is flushed by the water operator.

• If you used your taps during the advisory, you don’t need to flush them.

• If you didn’t use your water, run your cold-water taps for five minutes before using the water again.