News Release                   For Immediate Release

November 30, 2005

Boil Water Advisory for the Town of Markdale

Markdale – Please be advised that as of 12:00 p.m. today the Grey Bruce Health Unit issued a Boil Water Advisory for the Town of Markdale (Municipality of Grey Highlands).  The advisory is in response to a laboratory confirmed sample showing the presence of both E.coli and Total Coliform bacteria in the treated water system.

“We want to caution people that although there have not been any reports of illness from Markdale’s water supply, they need to boil their water for one full minute before drinking or using it for activities when water could be swallowed” said Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical officer of Health.  “The elderly, the very young and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk, but we are asking everyone to be careful until we are satisfied with the test results and can lift the advisory.”

The water is not safe for use in the preparation of food or drink unless treated by boiling.  It should NOT be used for drinking, making infant formula and juices, adding to prepared foods, making ice, or washing fruits and vegetables.  It should not be used for brushing teeth.  For these purposes boiled water or bottled water should be used.  If boiled, the water should be brought to a rapid rolling boil and maintained at a boil for 1 minute. 

The Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect until water samples taken by the Public Health Unit indicate that the drinking water is safe.  The Municipality of Grey Highlands will work closely with the Public Health Unit and the Ministry of the Environment to lift the Boil Water Advisory as soon as possible.

For more information, residents, businesses and visitors can contact the municipal office at (519) 986-2811, or the Public Health Unit at (519) 376-9420 or 1-800-263 3456.  For further information, visit the following web page - “How to use water safely during a ‘boil water advisory’”.

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For more information: 

Lou D’Alessandro

Safe Water Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

Owen Sound Office

(519) 376-9420