Contamination concern prompts boil water advisory for St. Clements
Last Updated: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 | 11:06 AM CT
CBC News
Residents in the rural municipality of St. Clements, Man., are being told to boil their water over concerns about E. coli contamination caused by the flooding.
Some residents in the RM, about 60 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, were stranded on rooftops and retrieved by rescuers in boats during the weekend of April 11-12 when massive ice jams on the swollen Red River created a backflow and overland flooding.
St. Clements Mayor Steve Strang said the advisory also applies to residents experiencing overland flooding not related to the river. Everyone should test their water, he said, noting that free test kits are available at the municipal office.
The testing is paid for by the provincial government, Strang said.
"I would be scared if I had to drink," said resident Norm Smith. "And [when] we brush our teeth, we have a boiled kettle. Hot water. Boiled as best we can."
Following a spate of overland flooding in March, the Manitoba government also issued a boil water advisory for anyone using well water for making ice, preparing food or brushing teeth. The advisory still applies as a precaution, said provincial officials.
According to the government's website, it is not necessary to boil tap water used for other household purposes such as showering, laundry, bathing or washing dishes. Adults, teens and older children can wash, bathe or shower, but should avoid swallowing the water. Toddlers and infants, however, should be sponge-bathed.
Well water sampling and testing will resume after the flooding has subsided.
Residents should follow all precautions until test results confirm the safety of the water.
