Boil water advisory issued for parts of Greater Sudbury

A boil water for Sudbury, New Sudbury, Falconbridge, both sides of O’Neil Drive West, Maley Drive and O’Neil Drive West and parts of Garson.

A boil water advisory has been issued for New Sudbury, Sudbury, and Falconbridge following adverse water samples reported on May 6.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts announced the advisory effective immediately for residents in those areas. The following other areas are not affected: Azilda, Chelmsford, Coniston, Copper Cliff, Dowling, Garson, Onaping, Skead, Val Caron and area and Walden.

It has been updated to include both sides of O’Neil Drive West, the area between Maley Drive and O’Neil Drive West, and the area of Garson northwest of Falconbridge Road.

Investigation underway

“The cause of the adverse samples is being investigated, and this boil water advisory is in effect as a precaution. We don’t believe that anyone who has consumed the water will experience any ill health effects,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager in the health authority’s Health Protection Division, in a news release Wednesday evening.

Operators with the City of Greater Sudbury have started taking additional water samples of water that comes from the David Street Water Treatment Plant and from the Falconbridge Water Treatment Plant.

“Updates on the situation will be shared as additional information is known,” said public health.

The only available water station at this time is located on Bay Street in Whitefish.

“Please make sure to bring your own containers,” the city said.

What the advisory means

A boil water advisory means that people who take their water from the municipal system should not use it for drinking; making juice, infant formula, or ice; cooking; washing uncooked fruit and vegetables; or brushing teeth unless water is brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to use.

For these purposes, water from an alternate source, such as bottled water, should be used.

The water can be used for laundry and bathing, excluding small children who could swallow the water.

For more information on boiled water advisors, consult the health authority’s fact sheet.

Food premises are required to close or operate in a limited capacity as outlined in the Guidelines for Retail Food Service Establishments and Supermarkets.

Advisory remains in effect

“Until bacteriological testing of the drinking water indicates a safe supply, the boil water advisory will remain in effect as a precaution,” said public health.

The health authority’s staff will continue to monitor the situation and will notify the municipality when the boil water advisory is lifted, and residents will be advised.

For more information, residents are asked to contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts toll-free at 1-866-522-9200 or visit phsd.ca.