FILE – Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) office.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit issued a boil water advisory (BWA) on December 12 for the entirety of Collingwood after a recent major water main break. Repairs are underway. This advisory is in effect until further notice and will be lifted once the safety of the water has been confirmed by laboratory tests.
Drinking water directly from the tap is not safe for the Collingwood at this time and can result in illness. Those most at risk include the elderly, the very young, and people with weakened immune systems. Residents are advised to boil their water before use or, as an alternative, use bottled water or commercially treated water from an approved source. Restaurants, bars and other food service in the impacted area (excluding facilities that sell pre-packaged food) must close for the duration of the BWA.
To prepare your water for use, bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Allow it to cool before:
- drinking;
- brushing teeth or rinsing dentures;
- preparing food, washing fruits, vegetables, and other food;
- preparing infant formula;
- making ice, beverages, or other mixes; and
- washing dishes—wash dishes with soap and water, rinse them and then sanitize them in a separate sink with a capful of bleach mixed with a sink full of clear water.
This advice also extends to drinking water for pets.
Adults, teens, and older children can use water that has not been boiled for baths and showers. Small children can be given sponge-baths. Do not swallow any water used for showers or baths. While it is safe to do laundry using the water, please continue to reduce water usage immediately to help conserve supply.
Hand hygiene is important for preventing the spread of germs and should continue during a BWA:
- Use an alcohol-based hand rub for hands that are not visibly soiled.
- If hands are visibly soiled, clean them with a disposable wet wipe, then follow with an alcohol-based hand rub.
- If disposable hand wipes are not available, hands should be washed with water and soap, dried, and then followed with using an alcohol-based hand rub.
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