Boil Water Advisories

A Boil Water Advisory (BWA) is a public notice that is issued by a Medical Officer of Health (MOH) when authorities suspect or have confirmed the presence of harmful bacteria or other organism in a drinking water supply. These notices are to inform the public and protect them from unsafe drinking water. A BWA can also be issued for other issues such as loss of disinfection, loss of pressure or illness linked to a water system.

Although the Medical Officer of Health issues BWAs, it is the owner of the drinking water system who communicates updates to those using the water system.

The following BWAs have been issued by local drinking water systems:

Issued Boil Water Advisories
EstablishmentTypeArea ImpactedDate IssuedDate Lifted
Shakespeare Water System Municipal Shakespeare April 5, 2023 April 9, 2023

Please note that testing a drinking water system can only give information about that specific drinking water system. This means that testing results from one drinking water system cannot provide any information on surrounding water systems, such as private wells. Private well owners are reminded to test their water regularly. Visit Well Water Testing for more information.

What to do during a Boil Water Advisory

Drinking, food or formula preparation, washing dishes

Boil your water at a rolling boil for at least 1 (ONE) MINUTE and allow it to cool before using it to:

  • Drink
  • Brush your teeth or rinse dentures
  • Prepare food, wash fruits, vegetables, and other food
  • Preparing infant formula
  • Make ice, beverages, or other mixes
  • Wash dishes
  • Provide drinking water to pets

You may also use bottled water or commercially treated water from an approved source. 

Please note that a Brita filter is never an acceptable alternative to boiling water during a boil water advisory. Activated carbon filters (like a Brita filter) are not designed to remove microbiological contaminants that may be present in the water during a boil water advisory. If you have a water filtration or purification system installed, consult with a water treatment specialist regarding the need to replace filters once a boil water advisory has been lifted. Also, keep in mind that many electric kettles do not allow water to boil for one full minute. It is recommended to boil your water on a stove top or similar appliance.
Steps to disinfect a container for storing potable water
  1. Clean a food-grade container and its lid with hot soapy water.
  2. Rinse the container and lid with clean water that has been boiled or from another source not affected by the advisory.
  3. Disinfect your container by mixing 10 teaspoons (50 mL) of liquid, non-scented household bleach with 1.1 gallons (5 L) of water that has been boiled and cooled, or water from another source not affected by the advisory.
  4. Ensuring the lid is securely on, shake the container for at least 1 minute.
  5. Use the same solution to disinfect the cap, lid, and mouth of the container.
  6. Empty the container and let air dry.
  7. Replace the lid.
  8. Protect the container from being exposed to the water affected by the advisory (if the water has not been boiled first).
  9. Avoid touching the mouth, cap, or lid of the container.
  10. Keep the container in a clean area, like a shelf or counter, away from surfaces (such as floors) where they may become dirty or soiled.
  11. Replace the lid on container after each use.
  12. Clean and disinfect the container and lid as described above before re-filling the container with drinking water that has been boiled and cooled or water from another potable source.
Bathing and showering
  • Adults, teens and older children can use un-boiled water for baths and showers
  • Small children can be given sponge-baths instead of tub baths or showers
  • Do not swallow any water used for showers and baths
Handwashing

Hand hygiene is an important measure to help prevent the spread of germs and should be performed during a boil water advisory.

  • Use of an alcohol-based hand rub (70%) is recommended for hands that are not visibly soiled
  • If hands are visibly soiled, hands should be cleaned with a disposable wet wipe, then an alcohol-based hand rub should be applied
  • If disposable hand wipes are not available, hands should be washed with water and soap, dried, and then an alcohol-based hand rub should be applied to hands
Laundry
It is safe to do laundry with the water.
Care if you are sick

Illness can occur when someone drinks contaminated water. Signs and symptoms include severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

  • If you are experiencing symptoms and have consumed water in an affected area, follow up with your health care provider. Please share with your health care provider that you have consumed water in an area affected by a boil water advisory.
  • If you are experiencing diarrhea, your health care provider may request submission of a stool sample.