Owen Sound under boil water advisory

Boiling water is shown in this undated file image.

A precautionary boil water advisory has been issued in the City of Owen Sound over concerns of contaminated water.

In a Saturday evening notice, Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) urged all city residents and businesses using the municipal water system to boil it before consuming and to reduce overall water use.

“This is a precautionary measure due to high levels of turbidity (cloudiness in the water) observed at the water treatment plant,” said GBPH in part of its notice. “High levels of turbidity can interfere with disinfection, which is one component of water treatment. The water currently continues to meet all other quality and testing standards.”

The impacted areas include parts of Meaford, (Village of Leith) and Georgian Bluffs, which are also connected to the city’s water system.

GBPH says high turbidity could be a sign of dirt, clay, algae, microorganisms, or other contaminated particles being present in the water, all of which could cause illness.

“Please bring all water to a rolling boil for one minute before using it for drinking, preparing food or beverages, making ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth,” added GBPH. “This is particularly important for young children, older adults and people who are immuno-compromised to protect their health.”

The health unit says it is not necessary to boil water for household uses that include showering, laundry, bathing or dishwashing.

Residents will be notified once the advisory is lifted, which the city says will happen when the water is confirmed to be safe for consumption.