Boil water order issued for parts of Saint John

by Gail Harding, originally posted on December 1, 2016

 

A boil water order has been issued for Saint John residents east of the Reversing Falls Bridge using the municipal water system.

About 45,000 users are affected in the east, north and south ends of Saint John, or about 60 per cent of the customer base. People living in Harbourview subdivision aren’t affected.

Heavy rains and high winds have increased the turbidity, or cloudiness, of the drinking water, said a news release from Saint John water said.

The water becomes cloudy when fine particles like sediment or organic matter wind up or get stirred up in the watersheds.

“An increase in turbidity can interfere with the effectiveness of the disinfection process and therefore the safety of the drinking water cannot be assured,” the release said.

Saint John Water advised people not to drink the water unless it is boiled. Residents should bring water to a rolling boil, let it boil for at least one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

While the water should not be consumed unless boiled, it is safe for taking showers, bathing or using in swimming pools. Dishes can also be washed in hot, soapy water and air dried or washed in a dishwasher.

Saint John Water said staff will be monitoring the turbidity levels and working with the Department of Health.

The agency will let the public know when the boil order is no longer needed.

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