Precautionary Drinking Water Advisories

This page contains information related to drinking water advisories. When a drinking water advisory is issued, an orange notice will be posted to the doors of all affected properties, and a green notice will be posted when the advisory is lifted. Copies of any current advisories will also be posted here and on the Voyent Alerting system.

An advisory is required when there is a change to the water distribution system such that the City cannot guarantee the quality of the water. The most common reason for this is when a water main is required to be depressurized and dug for repairs. After the repairs are completed and water pressure restored to normal, two sets of bacteria samples need to be sent out for testing. Once the results come back clear, the advisory can be lifted.

We make every effort to provide reasonable advance notice to residents and businesses when water system repairs are being done that will require water services to be temporarily turned off, as well as an accompanying drinking water advisory when water services are restored. However, when the repairs are an emergency, we are not always able to provide this advance notice.

When a drinking water advisory is in effect, residents are recommended to boil water for at least one minute prior to using for drinking, food preparation, or brushing teeth, or to use an alternate water source known to be safe. Additional requirements from Public Health apply to businesses that provide food or water to the public.

Please follow these instructions:

1. Boil all water used for drinking purposes for at least one (1) minute at a rolling boil, prior to use.
2. Boil water to be used for other activities where it may be ingested, including:
   1. Brushing teeth or soaking false teeth
   2. Washing fruits and vegetables
   3. Food or drink which will not be subsequently heated
   4. Ice cubes
3. Do not use the water for washing dishes unless the water has been boiled or the dishes are sanitized in another fashion.  Washed dishes and utensils can be soaked in a bleach water solution (approximately 2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon or 10 ml of bleach per liter of water) for at least two minutes after being washed to kill any bacteria which may be present.
   1. Note: Do not mix bleach with soaps or detergents.
4. Do not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply.
5. Ensure that younger children and infants are sponge bathed.
6. Use an alternative water source known to be safe, if you do not wish to boil the water.
7. Consult with your physician if you have cuts or rashes that are severe before using the water.

Under most circumstances, there is no need to boil water used for other household purposes. Adults, adolescents, and older children may shower, bathe or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water. Laundry may be washed in tap water, either by hand or by machine.

If you have any questions about a drinking water advisory, please contact City Hall at 306-236-3622.

Boil Water Orders

Boil water orders are different from drinking water advisories. A boil water order will be issued by Public Health if bacteria is found within the drinking water system. A drinking water advisory means there may be the potential for bacteria present in the water system, while a boil water advisory means there definitely is bacteria present in the water system.