MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is advising residents with wells in flooded areas to use an alternate water supply for any of the following purposes:

• drinking, gargling, brushing teeth or rinsing their mouth
• making baby food or infant formula
• washing dishes
• washing fruits, vegetables and other food
• or making any meals, drinks or ice.

During a flood, there is an increased risk that drinking water wells may become contaminated with bacteria and/or any other contaminants that may be present in the flood water. Any well water system, whether deep or shallow, can become contaminated when flooding occurs.

This precautionary drinking water advisory remains in effect until further notice. Once the flood waters recede, residents with a private water supply that has been affected by flooding should test their drinking water supply, and disinfect their well to ensure the water supply is safe for drinking. Sample bottles for well water testing can be picked up and dropped off at health unit in Gravenhurst or Huntsville.

For more information on managing flooded property visit www.smdhu.org/flood, or call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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