News Release                                                                   For Immediate Release

                                                                                                December 5. 2005

Boil Water Advisory Lifted for the town of Markdale

Markdale- Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn has lifted the boil water advisory for the Town of Markdale as of Monday December 5, 2005 at 12:30 pm. The results of two consecutive audit samples by the Public Health Unit showed that the water is safe for drinking.

“I thank the residents of Markdale for their understanding and cooperation during the past five days, since the boil water advisory was issued.  As of today, the Markdale water is safe to drink, from your tap, without boiling,” says Jim Paton, director Health Protection program at the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

The Public Health Unit and the Ministry of Environment will continue to work closely with the municipality to resolve issues that led to the boil water advisory.

Residents of Markdale should take the following precautions:

·         Run cold-water faucets for 1 minute before using the water.

·         Run drinking fountains for 1 minute before using the water.

·         Flush all garden hoses by running cold water through them for 1 minute.

·         Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.

·         Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45^oC [113^oF] (normal setting is 60^oC [140^oF]).

The Public Health Unit thanks the Municipality of Grey Highlands and the Ministry of the Environment for their efforts in delivering safe water to the residents of Markdale.

If residents have additional questions, they can call Public Health at (519) 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Jim Paton

Director Health Protection; Safe Water Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

(519) 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456