Due to serious technical issues at Weyburn’s water treatment plant, all residents are instructed to restrict water usage to essential household use only. The Water Security Agency has issued a public drinking water advisory. Boil water advisory until further notice. This notice took effect on June 23.
Precautions to be taken by all households during this Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory:
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: brushing teeth or soaking false teeth; washing fruits and vegetables; food or drink which will not be subsequently heated; and 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.
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; and
7. Consult with your physician if you have cuts or rashes that are severe, before using the water.
Under most circumstances, it is not needed 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.
Coffee makers connected to the water supply must be disconnected if the water being heated for making coffee does not reach boiling point. Coffee makers vary from facility to facility so please discuss your particular situation with a Public Health Inspector if you have questions about your equipment.
Boiled or bottled water must be used when rinsing fruits and vegetables that will not be cooked.
Discard any ice made in the last 7 days or otherwise directed by the local health region.
Turn the water off to any automatic ice making equipment, slush machines, drink dispensers or similar equipment. Sometimes this equipment includes water treatment devices, please discuss your particular case with a Public Health Inspector if you are not sure.
The water may be used for washing dishes in a dishwasher if there is a sani-cycle that reaches at least 45C for 20 minutes or 50C for 5 minutes or 72C for 1 minute.
