Boil Water Advisory for Guests

Boil Water Advisory for Guests

Recommendations for Guests: What to do when a Boil Water Advisory has been issued

In order to ensure safe drinking water supplies for guests, tourism properties follow a strict operation and maintenance program based on Health Canada's Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. This involves regular water sampling at all well water supply locations with samples being provided for analysis to the Water Management Division of the Department of Communities, Land and Environment.

When drinking water at a tourist establishment is found to contain an unacceptably high levels of coliforms or any level of E. Coli a boil advisory is issued. The following recommendations should be followed when on a boil water advisory (with information from Environmental Health, a program delivered by the Department of Health and Wellness).

Drinking Water and Food Preparation

Bring all drinking water to a rolling boil for two (2) minutes. Do not rely on automatic shut off kettles as they do not boil the water long enough to be safe.

Boil all water used for:

• washing fruits or raw vegetables
• ice cubes
• brushing teeth
• preparing baby formula
• making juices, preparing tea or coffee

Bottled water is acceptable for use and is available at the front desk/office.

Do Not use point-of-use treatment filter devices that fit onto taps as they do not eliminate bacteria.

Bathing

• Those taking showers should be careful to avoid any oral intake of water.
• To disinfect water for bathing, add one (1) ounce (30 ml) of 5.25% household beach to an average sized tub half filled with water, mix and let stand for 15 minutes before bathing.

Hand Washing

• Wash hands with boiled/bottled water OR Thoroughly wipe hands with an alcohol-based antiseptic wipe
• Apply a liquid hand sanitizer to hands
• Immerse hands in water disinfected with liquid household bleach (1 tsp./ 1 liter water) for a few seconds

Dishwashing

• Dishes may be safely washed in hot water and dish detergent. Once dishes are washed, fully rinse and then treat the dishes by soaking for a minimum of 2 minutes in a solution of one (1) ounce (30ml) liquid household bleach to 3 gallons of water (approx 14 litres) - an average sink full of water.
• Residential dishwashers may be used by adding one (1) ounce (30ml) of liquid household bleach to the final rinse cycle. If you are unable to determine the final rinse cycle, then soak the dishes as outlined above.

Every effort is being made to determine the source of the problem and to correct it as soon as possible. On the advice of Water Resource consultants, we are taking steps to clean and disinfect the water distribution system and source. In order to lift the boil water advisory, Environmental Health needs two consecutive water samples showing no levels of bacteria. You will be notified, as soon as possible, when the order has been lifted. Please feel free to come to the office, should you have any questions or concerns. You may contact Environmental Health directly at (902) 368-4970.