Glencoe ends boil water advisory, first issued after water main break

UPDATE: The boil water advisory has been lifted as of 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2018. 

Glencoe is under a boil water advisory after contaminated water may have entered the system Sunday evening.

According to officials with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU), a water main break led to a loss of pressure in the system which may have allowed contaminated water to enter, rendering the municipality’s water unsafe to drink.

The water in Glencoe cannot be used for drinking, food preparation or any human consumption until further notice.

“This boil water advisory is being issued as a precaution until we are sure the water in Glencoe is safe for consumption,” says Fatih Sekercioglu, environmental health manager with the health unit.

“Issuing a boil water advisory is standard procedure when there has been a significant loss of pressure in a water system,” she said.

Residents are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute before using it for drinking or cooking.

Tapwater should not be used for drinking, making infant formula or juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables or brushing teeth.

Instead, the health unit says to use boiled or bottled water.

Residents are also asked to get rid of any ice, drinks or other foods previously prepared with tapwater.

When it comes to bathing, adults and teens can shower with untreated water as long as no water is swallowed. When bathing infants and young children, parents should make sure they do not swallow any water, officials said.

Don’t use automatic ice cube machines and water dispensers from refrigerators and be sure to use the hot settings if using a dishwasher.

Water that was boiled previously should be used if washing dishes by hand.

Washing clothes in laundry machines is safe.

The owners of the Southwest Middlesex water distribution system are working with staff from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Ontario Clean Water Agency and the health unit to resolve the issue.

While pressure in the system is being restored, officials say it will take a few days before testing can be done to make sure the water is once again safe.

It is expected to take a few days before testing can be completed to ensure the water is once again safe.

For more information click here.

Full interview with Fatih Sekercioglu.