MUSKOKA - 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.
MUSKOKA - 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. If you are in a flooded area, and on a private water supply, you are advised to use an alternate drinking water supply.
An alternative water supply is water from a municipal water source or commercially bottled water.
Unopened, commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable source of water in an emergency. If you do not have bottled water and are getting water from a municipal water bottle filling station or other municipal water source, follow these recommendations to help protect your health.
DO use clean containers to collect water
DO use food grade water storage containers
DO use containers made of durable, unbreakable materials (i.e. not glass)
DO NOT USE containers that previously have been used to hold liquid or solid toxic chemicals (bleach, pesticides, etc.)
DO NOT store your filled water bottles on the floor in order to prevent contamination from flood waters.
For more information visit www.smdhu.org/flood or call 705-721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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