SIMCOE MUSKOKA - Emergencies rarely occur at convenient times, and the recent major watermain break that resulted in a town-wide boil water advisory in Collingwood was no exception. More than an inconvenience for residents, the incident underscored how vulnerable the systems we depend on can be, and how quickly disruptions can place public health at risk.
by Dr. Michelle Quaye, Public Health Physician
SIMCOE MUSKOKA - Emergencies rarely occur at convenient times, and the recent major watermain break that resulted in a town-wide boil water advisory in Collingwood was no exception. More than an inconvenience for residents, the incident underscored how vulnerable the systems we depend on can be, and how quickly disruptions can place public health at risk.
During a watermain break water can become contaminated, potentially carrying harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness. That is why the health unit acted quickly, issuing a precautionary community‑wide boil water advisory. Public health officials have the authority to issue advisories or orders due to our mandate to protect the public from waterborne diseases. Public health also worked closely with the Town and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to ensure a coordinated and consistent response.
Each organization has a specific role during a drinking water emergency. The Town runs the water system, collects and tests samples, and shares system updates. The health unit looks at risks to people’s health and gives advice to prevent illness, including guidance for hospitals, long-term care homes, and food businesses. The MECP checks municipal water systems and provides technical support. All groups work together to keep the community safe.
Safe water is essential for preparing food, washing hands, and cleaning dishes. When that safety is in doubt, restaurants and food businesses are required to close unless they can operate safely by selling only pre‑packaged foods. While these measures can be highly disruptive, they are essential to prevent customers and staff from being exposed to water that could cause illness.
Events like this highlight the importance of emergency preparedness for both businesses and residents. Keep an emergency kit stocked with water and non‑perishable food. Have plans for accessing bottled or alternative water sources during disruptions such as drinking water outages or other emergencies such as power failures. These measures will ensure you can adapt quickly, reducing the impact of emergencies and support a faster, safer recovery for everyone involved.
The community’s cooperation matters. By following the advisory, residents and businesses helped reduce the risk and protect one another. That collective effort deserves acknowledging and thanks. Ultimately, public health depends not only on the systems we build, but also on the cooperation, resilience, and shared responsibility of our communities and people who live and work within them.
For more information about safe water and emergency preparedness, visit smdhu.org.
Dr. Michelle Quaye is a public health physician at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Her primary responsibilities are in the areas of environmental health, family and community health, population health assessment and health equity.
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