The medical officer of health has directed the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Ontario Clean Water Agency to issue a boil water order on Wednesday July 26, 2023, because recent water samples collected from within the distribution system of the Pinewood DWS located in Pontypool indicate unsatisfactory levels of bacterial contamination.
This tap water can make residents ill. The elderly, the very young and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
A boil water order requires all water to be used for cooking or drinking must be brought to a rolling boil and boiled for at least one minute prior to use. A safe alternative to using boiled water is using bottled water or water from a private well that has been tested.
The boil water order remains in effect until it is lifted by the medical officer of health or a public health inspector. Residents will be notified when the problem is resolved.
Until then, residents are asked to please boil their water at a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it to:
- Drink
- Gargle, brush teeth or rinse dentures
- Wash fruits, vegetables and other food
- Make ice, juices, puddings or other mixes
- Make baby food or formula
Bathing and washing:
- Adults, teens and older children can use non-boiled water for baths and showers
- Small children can be given sponge-baths instead of tub baths or showers
- Do not swallow any non-boiled water used for showers and baths
- For instructions on washing dishes, see “How to Use Water Safely during a Boil Water Advisory” fact sheet
If residents are sick:
- Get immediate medical help for the elderly, young and those with weakened immune systems
- Get medical help if diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is monitoring the water quality incident. Residents will be notified when the problem is resolved.
For more information visit www.hkpr.on.ca or call 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5006.
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