The Water Security Agency has announced a precautionary Drinking Water Advisory will go into effect tonight (mon) at eight o’clock for residents and users of the Town of Watson Distribution System, affecting areas north of Highway 5 and east of Highway 6. The agency says the safety of the town’s dinking water supply cannot be ensured at all times because of planned system maintenance and the resulting system depressurization. The advisory remains in effect until further notice.
The agency advises those affected to boil all water used for drinking purposes for at least one minute, at a rolling boil, prior to use. The water should also be boiled if used for brushing teeth or soaking false teeth, washing food, and making ice cubes. More specific recommendations are below:
Pursuant to Clause 36(1)(b) of The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010, consumers must be notified to:
(a)boil all water, used for drinking purposes, for at least one (1) minute, at a rolling boil, prior to use;
(b)boil water to be used for other activities where it may be ingested, including:
(i)brushing teeth or soaking false teeth;
(ii)washing fruits and vegetables;
(iii)food or drink which will not be subsequently heated; and
(iv)ice cubes;
(c)not use the water for washing dishes, unless the water has been boiled or the dishes are sanitized in another fashion. Washed dishes and utensils can be soaked in a bleach water solution (approximately 2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon or 10 ml of bleach per liter of water) for at least two minutes after being washed to kill any bacteria which may be present.
Note: Do not mix bleach with soaps or detergents.
(d)not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply;
(e)ensure that younger children and infants are sponge bathed;
(f)use an alternative water source known to be safe, if they do not wish to boil the water; and
(g)consult with your physician if you have cuts or rashes that are severe before using the water.
Under most circumstances, there is no need to boil water used for other household purposes. Adults, adolescents and older children may shower, bathe or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water. Laundry may be washed in tap water, either by hand or by machine.
This Advisory is effective as per the date/time mentioned above, and will not be lifted until the water supply is determined to be completely safe.