Residents in Sachs Harbour that have had water delivered since Monday, Mar. 21 should not drink it.
The chief environmental health officer sent an advisory saying the water smelled like fuel and “some visible sheen of fuel has been found in the drinking water in a number of homes.”
Public health said the advisory was precautionary as no illnesses have been reported so far.
The advisory explains that boiling water will not remove the contamination. Residents should instead rely on bottled water for the time being for anything ranging from making ice and juice, to preparing baby formula and brushing your teeth.
As for bathing, babies and toddlers should have sponge baths to prevent them from accidentally drinking water, while adults should keep showers short.
The advisory said the territorial and local governments will investigate the source of the contamination. Samples will be tested to determine when the water will be safe to drink again.
