Algoma Public Health or your local water utility company may issue a Boil Water Advisory if your community’s drinking water has, or could have, germs in it that can make you sick.

Water must be brought to a full, rolling boil for at least one minute before use. After boiling, allow the water to cool before use. Alternatively, another safe water source (e.g. commercially bottled water) may be used during this time.  Use boiled or bottled water for any of the following:

• Drinking
• Making infant formula, ice, tea, coffee, drink mixes, puddings, jellos, etc.
• Washing fruits or vegetables
• Feeding pets

Coffee makers and auto-shutoff kettles usually do not reach a boil time of one minute and are unable to kill all the germs that may be in the water. 

No. Filtered water should also be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use. 

Household dishwashers must be set to sanitize mode.  If you are washing dishes by hand:

1. Wash dishes with soap and warm water
2. Rinse dishes with warm water
3. Sanitize dishes by submerging them in warm water mixed with regular household, unscented bleach (1/2 tsp of bleach per 1 L of water) for 1 minute
4. Air dry

Single-use disposable dishes or utensils may also be used during this time if you are unable to safely wash and sanitize your dishes.

Wash your hands as normal using tap water ensuring you are following proper hand washing techniques. After washing hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 70% alcohol.

Adults, adolescents, and older children may shower, bathe, or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water. Infants, toddlers, and immunocompromised individuals should be sponge bathed during this time to reduce the chance of swallowing the water.

Brush teeth with boiled (and cooled) water or bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first.

It is safe to wash clothes as usual.

The water is not safe for use in wading pools.  Children are at risk of swallowing the water which can potentially make them sick.

The advisory will be in effect until the local water utility company advises the problem has been resolved and after two water samples taken at least 24 hours apart indicate the water is free from bacterial contamination. 

‘Do not drink’ advisories may be issued when your community’s drinking water is, or could be, contaminated with contaminants (e.g., lead) that can't be removed from the water by boiling.

Do not drink the tap water.  Use a safe, alternative water source such as bottled water for the following:

• Drinking or making tea or coffee
• Cooking
• Feeding pets or livestock
• Brushing your teeth
• Making soups or ice cubes
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Making infant formula or other drinks
• Washing dishes

No.  Boiling the water does not remove the contaminant and will not make the water safe for drinking.

Yes. Wash your hands as normal using tap water ensuring you are following proper hand washing techniques.

Adults, adolescents, and older children may shower, bathe, or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water. Infants, toddlers, and immunocompromised individuals should be sponge bathed during this time to reduce the chance of swallowing the water.

Use another safe, alternative water source such as bottled water to brush teeth. Do not use tap water.

Use another safe, alternative water source such as bottled water to wash dishes. Do not use tap water.

It is safe to wash clothes as usual.

The water is not safe for use in wading pools.  Children are at risk of swallowing the water which can potentially make them sick.

The advisory will be in effect until the local water utility company advises the problem has been resolved and after water samples indicate the water is free from contaminants.