Don’t trust your tap water after flooding, health unit warning

Health experts warn that flood waters can carry bacteria and chemicals that make drinking water unsafe.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is warning residents to refrain from using their tap water after a flood.

Officials say if water has reached or covered a private wellhead, it should be considered contaminated and should not be used for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth.

“Flood waters can carry bacteria and chemicals that make drinking water unsafe,” says the health unit on its website.

During a flood

Residents are urged to use bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, food prep, infant formula and pets. Water should be boiled for at least one minute or treated with unscented household bleach (eight drops per four liters) and left to sit for 30 minutes.

• IN PICTURES: Widespread flooding impacts communities across the region

The SMDHU notes boiling or disinfecting will not remove all chemical contamination. If residents suspect chemicals, they should only use bottled or another safe water source for handwashing and tackling dishes.

Officials say tap water can still be used for bathing, showering, cleaning and laundry.

After a flood

After flooding, residents should inspect wells for damage, disinfect the system, replace filters and test water before using it again. Free testing bottles are available through the health unit located on Sperling Drive in Barrie.

Officials say the community should follow any drinking water advisory and continue using a safe water source until it is lifted. “If we believe local water may not be safe, we will issue a drinking water advisory,” says SMDHU.

To learn more about water safety during a flood, click here.

Related:

• Flood devastation continues throughout much of Muskoka
• OPP deploys ARGO extreme-terrain vehicle during Minden Hills flood response
• Minet’s Point residents urged to use self-serve sandbags as flooding reported
• Flood concerns mount in Orillia as crews, volunteers work around the clock
• Rising water forces emergency cofferdams along Muskoka roads
• Minden Hills declares state of emergency due to flooding conditions