NLIS 6
June 22, 2000
(Government Services and Lands)

Boil water advisories in Western Region

Earlier today, government highlighted that it is reviewing its policies and procedures regarding public water supplies in the province. As a first step, government has undertaken a review of the most recent water sampling data for our water systems. In line with that review, the Department of Government Services and Lands is now contacting 27 communities in the Western Region of the province recommending that they put boil water advisories in place (see list below).

Government�s position is that there will be increased caution in certain areas of its policy, such as when it asks communities to put a boil water advisory in place. Government is being prudent and responsible where the safety of the public is concerned.

If there is indication, for example, that water supplies have no chlorination or other disinfection mechanism in place, the recommendation will be for a boil water advisory to be put in place. This means that communities who have never experienced any ill effects from their water supply in the past will now be asked to boil their water. While boiling water is an inconvenience, it is certainly outweighed by the potential concerns for one�s health.

Government also wants to ensure that communities with chlorine disinfection systems have levels of disinfection that are appropriate to ensure safe drinking water.

It is important to recognize that this action by government is not prompted by any evidence of water-related illnesses.

As a general rule, residents in any community placed on a boil advisory should boil their water for five minutes. This should ensure that any illness-causing bacteria are no longer present, and that the water is safe to drink.

Persons who have any questions regarding these boil water advisories can contact the Government Service Centre in Corner Brook at (709) 637-2204.

Further announcements concerning boil water advisories throughout the province will be made available as required.

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4860.

List of Communities in Western Region
with new boil water advisories as of June 21

2000 06 22                                                 2:35 p.m.