SIOUX LOOKOUT – After issuing a boil water advisory due to a water main break on the north side of the CN Rail track, chief administrative officer Brian MacKinnon said everything is under control.
“The situation is well under control. Our Public Works staff worked into the night last night to isolate and complete repairs on the water main,” MacKinnon told Newswatch in an email.
He said a contractor working on private property inadvertently hit the water main, causing it to break.
Now the municipality is waiting for the Northwestern Health Unit to complete the necessary test to ensure the water quality is safe under the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.
“Samples will be taken today and sent for testing, and then another set of samples will be taken and sent for testing again tomorrow. We remain hopeful that the boil water advisory will be rescinded by the end of the work week,” MacKinnon said.
For now, residents north of the CN Rail tracks, including the Sioux Lookout Municipal Airport, are being advised to boil water for at least one minute.
Once boiled, the water can be stored in the refrigerators in a clean, food safe container and should be used for other activities where it may be ingested such as brushing teeth, soaking false teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, adding to uncooked food or drinks, making ice cubes, and water for pets.
For more information regarding this advisory, please contact the Northwestern Health Unit at 1-888-404-4231.
