PRESS RELEASE
SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
************************
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Authority issued a Boil Water Advisory (BWA) for the Midland East Pressure Zone on August 26, 2024 following a recent significant water main break. Repair work is underway. This advisory is in effect until further notice and will be lifted once the water is confirmed safe through laboratory testing. These results are expected to be available in the next 1-2 days.

Drinking water directly from the tap is currently not safe and can cause illness, visit smdhu.ca/boilwater.

Information for residents

Elderly people, very young people and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Residents are advised to boil their water before use or alternatively use bottled water or commercially treated water from an approved source. This advice also applies to drinking water for pets.

Information for catering establishments

Restaurants, bars and other catering establishments (except establishments selling pre-packaged food and whose operation has been approved by the SMDHU) are closed for the duration of the BWA.

Boiling water for use

To prepare your water for use, bring it to a boil for at least one minute. Allow it to cool before:

• Drink
• Brushing teeth or rinsing dentures
• Preparing food, washing fruit, vegetables and other foods
• Preparation of infant formula
• Production of ice cream, drinks or other mixed drinks and
• Dishwashing: Wash dishes with soap and water, rinse, and then disinfect in a separate sink with a capful of bleach mixed with a sink full of clean water.

Use water for bathing and washing

Adults, teenagers and older children can use unboiled water for bathing and showering. Small children can be washed with a sponge. Do not swallow shower or bath water. The water can be used for washing clothes without any problems.

To prevent the spread of germs, good hand hygiene is important and should also be maintained during a BWA:

• If your hands are not visibly dirty, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• If hands are visibly dirty, clean them with a damp disposable wipe and then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• If disposable towels are not available, hands should be washed with soap and water, dried and then cleaned with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

For more information about safe drinking water during a BWA, visit smdhu.org/BoilWater or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

************************