The shelves in the bottled water aisles of local grocery stores went bare fast and town ordered local restaurants to close their doors
As Collingwood received news of a boil water advisory because of a broken water main Friday, residents flocked to grocery stores, clearing the bottled water off the shelves.
At one local store, three pallets of water sold out within 45 minutes.
Restaurants in town have been ordered to close for the duration of the boil water advisory, which could last for five days.
Mayor Yvonne Hamlin released a statement this evening confirming the town’s emergency management team has been convened to work with town staff and external partners during the boil water advisory and water service disruption.
A note from the town released shortly after the mayor’s statement indicates the town is setting up water bottle pickup locations for those who cannot boil water.
The town promised an update on Saturday morning (Dec. 13).
While crews are on site where the water main leaked early this afternoon, the advisory remains in place until after the pipes are repaired and multiple water tests come back clear to the satisfaction of the local health unit.
The water main broke in the area of the Pretty River Parkway and Hume Street intersection.
Residents do not have to use bottled water, they can boil tap water to make it safe by leaving it at a rolling boil for one minute then letting it cool.
Bottled or boiled water can be used for:
- drinking (pets and people);
- 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.
Water for pets should also be boiled or bottled.
The town is also asking residents to continue to reduce water usage to help conserve the supply.
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:
- 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.
For more information on safe drinking water during a BWA visit smdhu.org/BoilWater.
