Clint Budd / CC
A boil water advisory continues for all users of Owen Sound’s municipal water system.
The city provided an update Sunday evening, urging residents and water users to continue to conserve water use where possible.
“We want to thank residents for their patience and efforts so far in following the precautionary boil water advisory and reducing water use, those actions are helping support the system while conditions stabilize,” a release from the city says.
A precautionary boil water advisory was issued Saturday evening, due to high levels of turbidity (cloudiness in the water) at Owen Sound’s water treatment plant. High levels of turbidity can interfere with disinfection, which is one component of water treatment.
The city says water currently continues to meet all other quality and testing standards.
“Over the past 24 hours, staff have noted that turbidity levels are improving,” City staff say in an update published Sunday evening. “The city continues to monitor the water quality closely with increased testing and is working with Grey Bruce Public Health to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.”
All users of Owen Sound’s municipal water system are being advised to bring all water to a rolling boil for one minute before using it for drinking, preparing food or beverages, making ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables or brushing teeth.
“This is particularly important for young children, older adults and people who are immuno-compromised to protect their health,” the city advisory says.
The advisory from the city says it’s not necessary to boil tap water for other household purposes, such as showering, laundry, bathing or washing dishes.
It’s not necessary to boil tap water used for other household purposes, such as showering, laundry, bathing or washing dishes.
“This impacts the entire City of Owen Sound as well as parts of Meaford (Village of Leith) and Georgian Bluffs who are connected to the City of Owen Sound water system,” the March 15 advisory explains.