E. coli found in Low, Que. tap water, township warns
The municipality of Low, Que., about 60 km north of Gatineau, is warning residents of the presence of E. coli in municipal tap water. A boil water advisory is in effect.
In a notice on the municipality’s website, dated Sept. 23, officials say recent analyses have shown the presence of fecal coliforms in the water.
“Contamination of water by these bacteria means that it may also contain microorganisms that are dangerous to your health. The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain,” a note signed by general manager Sandra Martineau says.
The municipality says water should be boiled for at least one minute prior to using it for the following activities:
- drinking and preparing beverages;
- preparing infant formula and baby food;
- washing and preparing food that will be eaten raw (fruits, vegetables, etc.);
- preparing food that does not require prolonged cooking (canned soups, desserts, etc.);
- making ice cubes; and
- brushing teeth and rinsing the mouth.
Unboiled tap water may be used for washing dishes in hot water, provided they are well-dried, washing clothes, and bathing, though the municipality says parents should ensure children don’t swallow any water while bathing or showering.
Schools and businesses have been instructed to shut off their water fountains and notify people of the advisory.
The source of the contamination is unknown.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may have caused and thank you for your understanding,” Martineau wrote. “The municipality of Township of Low is currently taking all available measures to determine the source of the problem and correct it.”
Resident Tara Wakeling tells CTV News Ottawa there has never been an E. coli notice in the 60 years the well has fed the municipality.
"I asked about the level of contamination and was told that it was too high to measure," Wakeling said. "We have been under a boil water advisory since July 8. I think there was a day and half that it was lifted. We spent two days without water while they changed the pump. We lost water for almost 24 hours last Friday without notice or explanation. Then, we received notice that there is E. coli in the water yesterday."
Wakeling says there needs to be more of an effort to upgrade and repair the system to protect the town's water supply.
A boil water notice for the Low Pumping Station was issued Aug. 1 and remains in effect, according to the township’s website. An identical notice was also issued July 8.
The notice does not state a specific reason for the advisory, but says it would be cancelled when “satisfactory results are obtained from the water analysis.”
The advisory asks residents to boil water for at least five minutes before consuming it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Questlove was not happy with Drake and Kendrick Lamar's beef: 'Nobody won the war'
While some may have been excited and/or amused by the diss-track feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the man many consider to be an elder statesman of hip-hop appears less than enthused about it.
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
A renewed Russian offensive on Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine forces some 1,700 civilians to flee
Russian forces began a renewed ground assault in Ukraine's northeast, killing and injuring several people and forcing more than 1,700 civilians to evacuate from the Kharkiv region, officials said Saturday.
For moms-to-be, it's possible to take maternity leave without breaking the bank
Pregnancy is often an exciting and anxious time for parents-to-be. And while painting the nursery and choosing a stroller are typically on the agenda, experts say preparing financially for a maternity leave can help reduce stress later on as well.
Israel orders new evacuations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah as it prepares to expand operations
Israel ordered new evacuations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah on Saturday, forcing tens of thousands more people to move as it prepares to expand its operation and adding that it is also moving into an area in northern Gaza where Hamas has regrouped.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.