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Map indicating affected area of boil water advisory

The Township of South Stormont is advising all people in Headline Road / County Road 44 / Highway 138 (North of Headline Rd) / St. Andrews West area to boil their tap water before drinking it, after recent test results detected high total coliform in the drinking water system serving the area. The BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect until further notice.

To avoid possible illness, you must bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before drinking it. Let the water cool down before using or drinking. Boiling the water will kill the harmful microorganisms in the water.

Until further notice, use boiled water or an alternate source of safe drinking water (such as bottled water) for:

  • drinking
  • making ice cubes, juices or other mixes
  • preparing baby food or infant formula
  • preparing food, including washing fruits and vegetables
  • gargling or brushing teeth or dentures

Hand Washing

  • Wash hands with bottled water, or boiled then cooled water.
  • If using non-boiled tap water, wash hands with liquid soap and dry thoroughly. Then rinse/sanitize using one of two solutions:
  • Alcohol-based hand disinfectant containing more than 70% alcohol, or
  • Mild bleach solution (see below for instructions).

Bathing

  • Toddlers and young children should not take baths or showers as they are likely to ingest water. Give sponge baths instead.
  • Adults, teens and older children can safely take showers.

Washing and Cleaning

  • Dishes, cutting boards and countertops can be washed with soap and water and then disinfected with a strong bleach solution (see below for instructions).
  • Laundry can be done as usual.

Contact your doctor if you experience ongoing symptoms of nausea, cramps, diarrhea, jaundice, headache or severe fatigue. To date, NO cases of illnesses are being investigated to determine if they are linked to the community’s drinking water.

The Township of South Stormont continues to work closely with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to determine the source of the problem and to fix it.

Bottled Water will be available for pick up for residents who are impacted by the boil water advisory. Impacted residents can pick up water bottles at the Long Sault Arena today, October 17th until 10:00pm and tomorrow, October 18th at the Township Office from 8:30am - 4:30pm and the Long Sault Arena from 8:30am – 10:00pm.

Instructions To Make Bleach Solution

Mild Bleach Solution (use after washing hands with non-boiled tap water)

  • Place 1 tsp of liquid household bleach in 4.5 L of water.
  • Mix and let stand for at least 15 minutes before using.
  • The mixture can be transferred to smaller clean containers for use.
  • Label the containers as follows: “MILD BLEACH SOLUTION – DO NOT DRINK.”

Strong Bleach Solution (use to disinfect dishes, cutting boards and countertops)

  • Place 1 tsp of liquid household bleach in 3 cups of water.
  • Mix and let stand for at least 15 minutes before using.
  • The mixture can be transferred to smaller clean containers for use.
  • Label the containers as follows: “STRONG BLEACH SOLUTION – DO NOT DRINK.”

Do not drink bleach solution.

Do not store bleach solution in empty water bottles.

Keep out of reach of children.