Longueuil water ban lifted: tap water safe to drink after diesel spill

Watch: Political fallout grows as Longueuil water ban entered day two

MONTREAL — The mayor of Longueuil confirmed Friday evening that the city’s water ban has been lifted and it was safe for residents on Montreal’s South Shore to drink their tap water.

The announcement came just after 7 p.m., much to the relief of the over 200,000 residents who were told not to drink their tap water for two days in a row.

Mayor Caroline St-Hilaire confirmed that tests in and around all affected regions have all come back and water is within safe levels.

READ MORE: Longueuil water advisory: 7 things you need to know

However, bottled water will still be available for residents Friday night, as tap water still has an odd taste, due to microparticles of benzene.

A city engineer confirmed that current benzene levels in the water network were considered safe and will continue to decrease, although the smell and taste could remain into next week.

The City of Longueuil confirmed Friday morning that its water advisory would remain in effect as officials continue to test the quality of the water after  diesel fuel spill earlier this week.

Watch: Diesel spill contaminates Longueuil water

The water advisory has been lifted for all affected areas:

• Saint-Hubert
• Vieux-Longueuil
• Boucherville
• Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville

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For full details of what neighbouroods were affected or not, click here.

The water ban was in response to a fuel leak on Wednesday, when 28,000 litres of diesel leaked into the St. Lawrence River from a waste water treatment plant in Longueuil.

The water advisory remained in effect until further notice, while the water was being analyzed and tested.

Water distribution and refill points

Bottled water and water refill points have been set up across the South Shore.

Take a look at our interactive map for locationsL:

The city is advising residents who have questions to contact 3-1-1.