Drinking water advisories

Drinking water advisories are issued to warn the public of potentially unsafe water and outline what precautions should be taken to prevent injury and illness. There are three types of advisories:

Boil water advisories
- Are issued when a condition exists in a drinking water supply that can be corrected by boiling the water before consumption.
Do not drink advisories
- Are issued when a condition exists in a drinking water supply that cannot be corrected by boiling or disinfecting the water.
- Customers should use an alternative water source for drinking or cooking (i.e. bottled water).
Do not use advisories
- Are issued when chemical or radiological contaminants are suspected or confirmed in the drinking water supply.
- Boiling or disinfecting the water will not remove the contaminant, and the water should not be used for any purpose (including drinking, bathing, cooking, etc.).

How do I know if a drinking water advisory has been issued?

Your municipality or local water utility company will notify users via various communication channels, including phone messages, door-to-door notifications, radio ads and social media posts.
Signage may be posted at entrances to businesses, drinking water fountains or at hand washing sinks.
KFL&A Public Health may issue a public service announcement under certain circumstances (e.g., oil spill).
Boil water advisories are listed on our Inspections and Enforcement page, under small water drinking systems.

Frequently asked questions during a boil water advisory (BWA)

Why did KFL&A Public Health issue a BWA?

A BWA is issued by KFL&A Public Health if evidence suggests the water is unsafe, e.g., unacceptable microbiological levels of E. coli or total coliform. A BWA notifies users that their water is potentially unsafe, it explains that boiling is required to make the water safe and educates the public about how to boil their water to make it safe.

How can I use water safely during a BWA?

Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute to make sure it is safe to use.

Water should NOT be used for drinking, making infant formula and juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits, vegetables or brushing teeth. For these purposes, boiled water or bottled water should be used.

Discard previously made ice and disinfect ice cube trays. Do not use water from refrigerators and appliances, such as coffee makers. Discard any ready to eat products made with the water, e.g., juice.

Can I take a bath or shower during a BWA?

Yes, as long as the water is not swallowed.
If the bather may consume the water, they could have a sponge-bath or shower with a hand-held showerhead, avoiding the face.

Can I use the water for washing my hands?

YES - if the BWA has been issued as a precaution and there is no outbreak of human illness.

NO - if the BWA has been issued because of an outbreak.

To treat water used for hand-washing:
- Mix 1.5 oz (45 ml) liquid household bleach with 10 gallons (45 litres) water.
- Mix and let stand for at least 10 minutes prior to use.
Or, use alcohol-based hand rub, containing more than 60% alcohol after using water from the tap.
Wet wipes used for cleaning babies during diaper changes are not effective for disinfecting hands.

Is it safe to use the dishwasher?

If your dishwasher has a hot setting, it is safe to use.
If your dishwasher does not have a hot setting, after the cycle, soak dishes for 1 minute in a solution of 1 oz. (30 ml) of bleach mixed with 3 gallons (13.5 litres) of lukewarm water. Let dishes air dry.

How do I safely wash dishes by hand?

Use boiled water for washing dishes.
Or, wash dishes in water and disinfect with the following bleach solution:
- Mix 1 oz. (30 ml) bleach with 3 gallons (13.5 litres) of water at room temperature for at least 1 minute
- Let dishes air dry.

Do I need to change the way I do laundry?

No, continue doing laundry the way you usually do.

Is the water safe to fill wading pools for children?

No, the water is not safe so should not be used to fill a wading pool for children.

If I have a water filtration device installed, does this make the water safe for drinking and cooking?

No. Filtered water should also be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute before drinking or using it for cooking.

My doctor told me I am immune-compromised. What should I do?

Consult your primary care provider for advice.

What should I do about animals and pets during a boil water advisory?

Consult your veterinarian for advice.

When will the BWA be over?

The BWA will end when KFL&A Public Health has determined that the drinking water from the drinking water system does not present a health or safety risk to users. In most cases, KFL&A Public Health will require lab analysis of the water showing acceptable results, i.e., no E. coli or total coliforms, from two consecutive sets of water samples taken 24 to 48 hours apart, from all parts of the distribution system that was affected.

How will I know the BWA is over?

You will be notified by the water system operator when the BWA is over.

What should I do to make sure my water is safe after a boil water advisory is over?

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 softener through a regeneration cycle.
Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45°C (normal setting is 60°C)

Frequently asked questions during a do not drink advisory (DNDA)

Can I use the water when a DNDA has been issued?

You can use the water for laundry and bathing (excluding small children), but not for:

Drinking
Making juice
Making infant formula
Making ice
Cooking
Washing fruits and vegetables
Brushing teeth

For these purposes, use water from an alternate source, such as bottled water.

Where can I get potable water?

Bottled water can be purchased from local suppliers, such as grocery stores, convenience stores and department stores.
Always follow the directions from your municipality or drinking water supply operator.

How do I disinfect a container for storing potable water?

Steps to disinfect a container for storing potable water

Clean a food-grade container and its lid with hot, soapy water.
Rinse the container and lid with clean water from another source not affected by the advisory.
Disinfect your container by mixing 50 mL (1.76 fl oz) of liquid, unscented household bleach with 5 L (1.1 gal) of water from a source not affected by the advisory.
Ensuring the lid is securely on, shake the container for at least one minute.
Use the same solution to disinfect the cap, lid and mouth of the container.
Empty the container and let air dry.
Replace the lid.
Protect the container from exposure to the affected water.
Avoid touching the mouth, cap or lid of the container.
Keep the container in a clean area, like a shelf or counter, away from surfaces that may become dirty.
Replace the lid on container after each use.
Clean and disinfect the container and lid as described above before re-filling it with drinking water from another potable source.

Can I use the water for washing my hands?

No. Wash hands with soap and potable water from an alternative source.
If potable water from an alternative water source is not available:
- Use a pre-moistened towelette (such as baby wipes) to remove the dirt before using an alcohol-based hand rub (containing more than 60% alcohol).
- If hands are not visibly soiled, then alcohol-based hand rub is sufficient.

Can I take a bath or shower during a DNDA?

Yes, but avoid swallowing any water.
If the bather may consume the water, have a sponge-bath or shower with a hand-held showerhead, avoiding the face.

Is the water safe to fill wading pools for children?

No, the water is not safe. Do not use the water to fill a wading pool for children.

Can I wash my dishes?

No. You should not wash your dishes with the water from your home until after the drinking water advisory has been lifted. If possible, use disposable dishware and utensils, or use water from an alternate source to wash dishes.

Do I need to change the way I do laundry?

No, continue doing laundry as usual but you should be aware that tap water may discolour your clothing.

My doctor told me I am immunocompromised. What should I do?

Consult your primary-care provider for advice.

If I have a water filtration device installed, does this make the water safe for drinking and cooking?

No, the water should not be used for drinking, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth until further notice. Only use water from an alternate source.

When will the DNDA be over?

The DNDA will end when KFL&A Public Health has determined that the drinking water from the drinking water system does not present a health or safety risk to users.

The drinking water advisory will be lifted when two consecutive sets of samples taken from all parts of the water system show that the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards have been met.
Notice will be provided once an advisory is lifted.

What should I do to make my water safe after the DNDA is over?

Run cold water faucets for five minutes before using the water.
Run drinking fountains for five minutes before using the water.
Flush all garden hoses by running cold water through them for five minutes.
Run water softener through a regeneration cycle.
Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45°C (normal setting is 60°C)
If there are any concerns, please contact the local municipal office or the operator of the drinking water system.

Frequently asked questions during a do not use advisory (DNUA)

Can I use the water when a DNUA has been issued?

When a “Do not use the water” advisory has been issued do not use the water from the drinking water supply under any circumstances and avoid skin contact.

An alternate source of potable water must be used for ALL water needs.

The water CANNOT be used for:

Drinking
Brushing teeth or dentures
Handwashing (more details further down the page)
Washing dishes, cutting boards, countertops, etc.
Food preparation, including washing fruits and vegetables
Preparing baby or infant formula
Making ice cubes, juice or other mixes
Making coffee
Water for pets
Household cleaning
Laundry
Showering or bathing
Swimming
Kitchen and other household water filters or devices. Filters that have come into contact with affected water should be replaced.
Children’s water play, such as wading pools and water tables

Can I use the water to wash my hands?

No. Wash hands with soap and potable water from an alternative source.
If potable water from an alternative water source is not available:
- Use a pre-moistened towelette (such as baby wipes) to remove the dirt before using an alcohol-based hand rub (containing more than 60% alcohol).
- If hands are not visibly soiled, then alcohol-based hand rub is sufficient.

Where can I get potable water?

Bottled water can be purchased from local suppliers, such as grocery stores, convenience stores and department stores.
Always follow the directions from your municipality or drinking water supply operator.

How do I disinfect a container for storing potable water?

Steps to disinfect a container for storing potable water

Clean a food-grade container and its lid with hot, soapy water.
Rinse the container and lid with clean water from another source not affected by the advisory.
Disinfect your container by mixing 50 mL (1.76 fl oz) of liquid, unscented household bleach with 5 L (1.1 gal) of water from a source not affected by the advisory.
Ensuring the lid is securely on, shake the container for at least one minute.
Use the same solution to disinfect the cap, lid and mouth of the container.
Empty the container and let air dry.
Replace the lid.
Protect the container from exposure to the affected water.
Avoid touching the mouth, cap or lid of the container.
Keep the container in a clean area, like a shelf or counter, away from surfaces that may become dirty.
Replace the lid on container after each use.
Clean and disinfect the container and lid as described above before re-filling it with drinking water from another potable source.

When will the DNUA be over?

The DNUA will end when KFL&A Public Health has determined that the drinking water from the drinking water system does not present a health or safety risk to users.

What should I do to make my water safe after the DNUA is over?

Run cold water faucets for five minutes before using the water.
Run drinking fountains for five minutes before using the water.
Flush all garden hoses by running cold water through them for five minutes.
Run water softener through a regeneration cycle.
Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45°C (normal setting is 60°C)
If there are any concerns, please contact the local municipal office or the operator of the drinking water system.