UPDATE, 4:00pm Wed., Dec. 19: Water advisory for Gogama lifted. For a list of what to do before using the water, see the bottom of this article.
Foleyet last weekend. This weekend, Gogama is under a water advisory.
A water main has broken in Gogama and the water is off. Although repairs are underway, Public Health Sudbury and Districts is warning not to use the tap water until testing proves that it’s safe.
In a release, the health authority says that “people who take their water from the municipal system should NOT use it for drinking; making juice, infant formula, or ice; cooking; washing uncooked fruits and vegetables; or brushing teeth. Boiling the water may not make it safe for drinking. For these purposes, water from an alternate source, such as bottled water, should be used. Bottled water used for making infant formula must still be boiled. The water can be used for laundry and bathing (excluding small children who could swallow the water).”
“It is possible that a loss of water pressure can create conditions that compromise the safety of the drinking water,” said Cynthia Peacock-Rocca, a manager in the environmental health division. “Until bacteriological testing of the drinking water indicates a safe supply, the drinking water advisory will remain in effect as a precaution.”
For information on how to properly prepare infant formula using bottled water, please call Public Health’s Health Information Line at 705.522.9200, ext. 342 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). Other information is available at www.phsd.ca .
What to do after a drinking water advisory is lifted and before using the water:
- Run cold water faucets for five minutes or until the water runs clear.
- Run drinking fountains for five minutes before using the water or until the water runs clear.
- Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
- Drain and refill hot water heaters.
- Large-volume users (for example, schools) may need to run cold water taps for a longer period of time on first use.
- To get rid of sediment, faucet screens should be removed, rinsed and put back in place. Source: Public Health Sudbury & Districts