With discussion of the possible severity of flooding occurring or approaching the district, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit is issuing guidance on water contamination.
Rising water levels may pose a threat to the health and safety of residents.
Flood water and water ponding around wells can affect the safety of your drinking water.
The RCDHU is recommending that residents with wells in contact with flood water to boil your water for one minute at a rolling boil before drinking, food preparation or brushing teeth.
The Health Unit says it is preferable to use bottled water or use water from an alternate potable water source.
Well water should be tested for bacteria after flood waters recede. Water sample bottles can
be picked up and dropped off at the Renfrew County and District Health Unit office. (For additional locations, visit https://www.rcdhu.com/healthy-living/safe-water/)
Note that during floods, the ground can become saturated, preventing proper operation of septic
systems.
If your septic system has been affected, avoid using it if possible, or reduce the amount of water used by limiting toilet flushing, dishwashing, washing clothes, and showering.
Do not pump your septic system when the ground around it is still saturated. High ground water levels may cause an empty septic tank to float out of the ground and damage the inlet and outlet fittings.
Flood waters can be contaminated with sewage and cause illness.
By Rick Stow from RCDHU release
