December 5, 2007

The Departments of Government Services and Health and Community Services advise the public in the Bonavista Peninsula region to boil tap water before drinking. Many municipal water treatment facilities have been unable to properly disinfect water because of the power outage as a result of this past weekend�s winter storm.

If residents are unable to boil tap water for drinking due to a lack of power, the first option recommended would be to purchase bottled water for drinking. If boiling water or purchasing bottled water is not possible, then residents can treat small amounts of water themselves. Add unscented household bleach at an amount of 1/8 teaspoon (.75 ml) per four litres of water, and allow the water to stand for 30 minutes to ensure disinfection. Extreme care should be taken in measuring the bleach so as not to add too much. Bleach can be toxic in higher amounts.

The area affected includes all of the Bonavista Peninsula and ranges as far east as Southern Harbour and Port Blandford to the west. Communities placed on boil water advisories as a result of the power outage include Arnold's Cove, Come By Chance, Hodge's Cove, Queen's Cove, Southern Harbour, Sunnyside, Bonavista, Elliston, Little Catalina, Trinity Bay North, Canning's Cove and Port Blandford. Other communities in this same catchment area are currently on boil water advisories for other reasons.

If anyone affected by the power outage has any concerns or questions on water safety, please contact the Government Service Centre in Clarenville at 709-466-4060.

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