A boil water advisory has been in effect since Wednesday afternoon in Châteauguay Valley, including Mercier and Sainte-Martine.
It also includes certain sectors of Léry, Saint-Isidore and Saint-Urbain.
The presence of fecal coliform was found in tap water, which could pose a health risk.
Some common symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
As a preventive measure, the city suggests throwing out ice cubes (including refrigerator water dispenser tanks), beverages and food that was made with unboiled tap water prior to Oct. 31.
The latest health and medical news
emailed to you every Sunday.
Water analysis is currently underway to sort out the situation.
What to do
Water that has been boiled for one minute or bottled water can be used for the following:
- Drinking and preparing beverages
- Preparing infant formula and baby food
- Washing and preparing food that will be eaten raw (fruits, vegetables, etc.)
- Preparing food that does not require prolonged cooking (canned soups, desserts, etc.)
- Making ice cubes
- Brushing teeth and rinsing
You can use unboiled tap water for the following:
- Washing dishes with hot water – make sure you dry them well
- Washing clothes, showering and bathing (make sure young children do not swallow water while bathing or wash them with a facecloth)