Media Advisory         For Immediate Release

                                                                        October 25, 2005

Clarification of Boil Water Advisory and Orders

Grey/Bruce – Media reports of boil water notices improperly attributed to the Grey Bruce Health Unit prompts the Health Unit to clarify its role in monitoring and assessing local water systems. The Health Unit, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act issues Boil Water Advisories or Boil Water Orders when contamination exceeds mandated guidelines. Boil Water Advisories and Boil Water Orders can only come from the Health Unit, issued through regular media channels as News Releases.  They are listed on our internet site.  The Ministry of Environment mandate is through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).  In cases of improper disinfection of municipal systems, under Section 18.2 of the SDWA, the system owner or operator must notify all users to use an alternative source for drinking water or to bring water to a rapid boil for one minute before use. This is known only as a notification and not to be confused with an issuance of an Advisory or an Order by Public Heath. They must also take any other steps as directed by the Medical Officer of Health.

For more information:

Lou D’Alessandro

Manager Health Protection

Grey Bruce Health Unit

(519) 376 9420  ext 223