Health Unit issues boil water advisory for Port Loring Update

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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Dr. Jim Chirico, acting medical officer of health, announces the lifting of the boil water advisory placed on the Port Loring water supply, effective immediately. Water samples submitted on October 8, 2009 revealed satisfactory results.

As a precautionary measure, residential users of the communal water supply in that area are advised to run each of their cold water taps for one minute on first-time use. Commercial users should run all cold water taps for two minutes on first-time use.

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Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr Jim Chirico has issued a boil water advisory, effective immediately, for all residents and properties of Port Loring that are on the communal drinking water system. This advisory is due to a pressure loss in the drinking water system.

A boil water advisory means that people who take their water from the municipal system should not drink the water, use it to brush their teeth, or use it to wash foods, such as fruit and vegetables, which will be consumed without cooking. Water should be brought to a rolling boil and allowed to boil for one full minute. People should ensure that water used for cooking comes to a full boil. Otherwise, the water is safe for bathing and washing clothes.

According to Dr Chirico, “There is no evidence of bacterial contamination; however, tests are being done.”

Health Unit staff are working with Ontario Clean Water Agency in Port Loring and will continue to monitor this situation. The acting medical officer of health will notify the media when the boil water advisory has been lifted.

For more information, call the Health Unit at (705) 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808. For technical questions, please contact Ontario Clean Water Agency at 472-9671.

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