Winnipeg, MB - The Medical Officer of Health for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory this evening for a localized area of southeast Winnipeg - south of Bishop Grandin Blvd. to the Perimeter, and east of the Red River to the Seine River.
| Map of affected area of southeast Winnipeg |
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The advisory is being issued on a precautionary basis due to positive results of low level bacteria in three of the samples collected within this area. The area has been resampled today, and the preliminary test results are expected tomorrow afternoon, at which time the Province will reassess the situation and the City will provide an update to residents. Positive test results do happen from time to time, but have always retested negative.
The positive results were from a routine set of samples collected on Monday as part of compliance testing under the Operating Licence issued by the Provincial Office of Drinking Water. Chlorine levels in all the samples city-wide met the Operating Licence requirements.
Until further notice, all water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before it is used for:
- drinking and ice making,
- preparing beverages (e.g., infant formula),
- preparing food, and
- brushing teeth
It is not necessary to boil tap water used for other household purposes, such as laundry or washing dishes. Adults and older children that are able to avoid swallowing the water can wash, bathe, or shower. Young children should be sponge bathed. If boiling is not feasible, an alternate and safe supply of water should be used (e.g, bottled water).
All commercial, public and permitted facilities (e.g., restaurants, health care facilities, day cares, personal care homes and other private facilities that provide food and water services) must follow water use recommendations from the Boil Water Fact Sheet: Guidelines for food establishments during a boil water advisory. Increased use of hand sanitizers will provide additional protection.
To avoid burn injuries from hot water, caution should be taken. Please keep young children away from boiling water. Place kettles and pots away from counter and stove edges.
More details:
- water use
- what to do when you are advised to boil your water
- how to operate commercial/public facility under a boil water advisory
- Winnipeg’s drinking water quality and testing
For health related questions, residents can contact Health Links at 204-788-8200.