Thompson residents are advised to boil tap water for at least one minute before using. (CBC)

Manitoba's chief medical officer has issued a boil-water advisory for Thompson after problems with the water-treatment process at the Vale Inco plant.

Thompson residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before drinking, making drinks — including infant formula — preparing food and brushing teeth.

Officials say it is not necessary to boil water for bathing, laundry or washing dishes, but young children should be sponge bathed.

Residents are encouraged to curb water consumption by limiting showers, avoiding watering lawns and washing vehicles.

Vale Inco has been operating the facility for more than 50 years as part of the nickel miner's mining and processing licence.

David Markham, manager of corporate affairs for the company, said the plant was shut down after staff noticed problems with the water following some routine maintenance.

"We were in contact with [Manitoba] Water Stewardship the moment we noticed that the turbidity levels were somewhat problematic and in conflict with the guidelines under the Manitoba Drinking Water Act and the regulations," he said.

Markham said the mining company is working on the problem but couldn't say when the plant would come back on line.

There are no reports so far of anyone getting sick from the water.