Update: February 6, 2017 at 8:25am

The emergency boil water advisory in the Town of Burstall has been removed.  Subsequent repeat water samples on February 1 and 2 indicated that bacteria levels are within acceptable levels.

It is now safe to resume consumption of water from the Town of Burstall’s public water supply.

---

Original message: February 1, 2017 at 1:30pm

A boil water advisory has been activated in the Town of Burstall.

The Cypress Health Region has learned that a water sample tested positive for E.coli in the Town’s public water supply.  Dr. David Torr, Medical Health Officer, has thus issued an emergency boil water order to the Town and its residents.

Residents who access Burstall’s public water supply are to discontinue the use of this water without first boiling it for at least one minute at a rolling boil.

This emergency boil water order remains in effect until safe water is evidenced.

Boil water advisory detail

Users of the Town of Burstall’s water supply are notified to:

• boil all water, used for drinking purposes, for at least one (1) minute, at a rolling boil, prior to use;
• boil water to be used for other activities where it may be ingested, including:
  • brushing teeth or soaking false teeth;
  • washing fruits and vegetables;
  • food or drink which will not be subsequently heated; and
  • ice cubes;
• not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply;
• under most circumstances, there is not a need to boil water used for other household purposes. Adults, adolescents, and older children may shower, bathe, or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water.
• ensure that younger children and infants are sponge bathed;
• use an alternative water source known to be safe, if they do not wish to boil the water; and
• consult with your physician if you experience any vomiting, diarrhea, or other enteric type symptoms. Also if you have cuts or rashes that are severe before using the water.

In addition to the above, all dishes and utensils should be soaked in a bleach water solution (approximately 2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon or 10 ml of bleach per liter of water) for at least two minutes after being washed to kill any bacteria which may be present.

About E.coli

Escherichia coli, usually called E. coli, refers to a large group of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. E.coli can make people sick, causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.   Serious complications of an E.coli infection can include kidney failure. Most individuals with E.coli fully recover within 5 to 10 days. The very young and elderly are at greater risk of severe symptoms.

Generally, the disease must run its course. Treatment for those infected with E. coli includes drinking plenty of liquids to replace the body fluids lost through diarrhea and vomiting, and to avoid dehydration. The most helpful fluids for protecting against dehydration are oral rehydration fluids. These products are sold as pre-mixed fluids and are commonly found in drug stores. Other drinks that do not contain caffeine or alcohol can also help with mild dehydration; however, these drinks may not replace the nutrients and minerals lost during illness.

Young children, the elderly and people with other illnesses are at greatest risk for dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include a decrease in urination, a dry mouth, and throat and dizziness upon standing. A dehydrated child may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy. Severe dehydration can be serious and the ill person may require re-hydration in a hospital. If you think you or someone under your care is dehydrated, contact your healthcare provider.

Antibiotics are not used to treat the illness, as they may increase the risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome.

To read more about boil water advisories issued through the Public Health department please visit our water quality page.