News Release                                                   For Immediate Release

                                                                                    December 30, 2005

Boil Water Advisory Lifted for the Town of Walkerton

Walkerton - Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hazel Lynn, has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for the Town of Walkerton (Municipality of Brockton) as of Friday December 30, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. The test results of three consecutive audit samples taken by Public Health and the Ministry of the Environment show that the water is safe for drinking.

“I thank the residents of Walkerton for their understanding and cooperation during the past seven days since the Boil Water Advisory was issued.  As of today, the Walkerton water is safe to drink from your tap - without boiling,” says Lou D’Alessandro, Manager Health Protection program at the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Ontario Clean Water Agency will continue to work closely with the Municipality to resolve issues that led to the Boil Water Advisory.

Residents of Walkerton 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])

Public Health thanks the Municipality of Brockton, the Ontario Clean Water Agency, and the Ministry of the Environment for their extra efforts during the holiday season to deliver safe water to the residents of Walkerton.

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:

Lou D’Alessandro

Manager, Health Protection, Safe Water Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

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