UPDATE:
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has lifted a boil water advisory for Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfil that was issued on Tuesday.
"Laboratory test results have confirmed that the water is free from contamination and is safe to drink," the SMDHU said in a news release on Thursday afternoon.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has lifted a boil water advisory for Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfil that was issued on Tuesday.
"Laboratory test results have confirmed that the water is free from contamination and is safe to drink," the SMDHU said in a news release on Thursday afternoon.
- Run all cold faucets for a minimum of five minutes. If the water does not run clear after five minutes, contact Friday Harbour Resort management.
- Run drinking water fountains for a minimum of five minutes.
- Run all water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
- Replace pre-filters and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reverse osmosis units.
- Replace water filters, as they are disposable and may be contaminated. This applies especially to carbon filters and others that are near the end of their life.
- Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45°C (113°F). Normal setting is 60°C (140°F).
- Drain and flush all ice-making machines and soda fountain machines.
- Flush, clean and sanitize appliances with water line connections (e.g., fridges with water and ice dispensers), following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Dispose of any ice made since March 12, 2024.
- Large-volume users (for example, restaurants) may need to run cold water taps for a longer period of time on first use to ensure the water is not cloudy.
News release - Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU)
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit issued a boil water advisory (BWA) on March 12, 2024 for Friday Harbour Resort following a recent water main break.
Repairs are now completed. This advisory is in effect until further notice and will be lifted once the safety of the water has been confirmed by laboratory tests. It is anticipated that these results will be available in the next 1-2 days.
Drinking water directly from the tap is not safe at this time and can result in illness. Those most at risk include the elderly, the very young, and people with weakened immune systems. Residents are advised to boil their water before use or, as an alternative, use bottled water or commercially treated water from an approved source. Restaurants, bars and other food service (excluding facilities that sell pre-packaged food and that have been approved to operate by SMDHU) are closed for the duration of the BWA.
To prepare your water for use, bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Allow it to cool before:
- drinking
- brushing teeth or rinsing dentures
- preparing food, wash 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.
This advice also extends to drinking water for pets.
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. It is safe to do laundry with the water.
Hand hygiene is important for preventing the spread of germs and should continue during a BWA:
- 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 an alcohol-based hand rub.
For more information on 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.
Banner image - file photo - Barrie 360
