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Drinking water advisory lifted for Whitson River

Updated: Aug. 31, 3:50 p.m. The Sudbury & District Health Unit has lifted the drinking water advisory that came into effect Monday, August 31, 2015, for residents who draw their water from the Whitson River.
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Updated: Aug. 31, 3:50 p.m.
The Sudbury & District Health Unit has lifted the drinking water advisory that came into effect Monday, August 31, 2015, for residents who draw their water from the Whitson River.

The Health Unit issued the drinking water advisory because of an unknown oily substance observed in the river. The source of the oily slick has been identified as a food-grade oil and poses no risk to humans.

What to do after a drinking water advisory is lifted and before using the water:

  • Flush your treatment system and replace your filters
  • Run cold water faucets for five minutes or until the water runs clear. 
  • Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle. 
  • Drain and refill hot water heaters.
  • Large-volume users (for example, schools) may need to run cold water taps for a longer period of time on first use.
  • To get rid of sediment, screens should be removed, rinsed and put back in place.

For more information, please call the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 705.522.9200, ext. 398, toll-free 1.866.522.9200 or visit www.sdhu.com.

Original story:

The Sudbury and District Health Unit has been notified of an unknown oily substance into the Whitson River.


Until more information is received, the health unit is issuing a precautionary drinking water advisory, effective immediately for all residents who draw their water from the Whitson River.

A drinking water advisory means that people who take their water from the river should NOT be using it for drinking, making juice, infant formula, or ice; cooking; washing uncooked fruits and vegetables; or brushing teeth.

Boiling the water may not make it safe for drinking. For these purposes, water from an alternate source, such as bottled water, should be used. The water may be used for laundry and bathing (excluding small children).

The Ministry of the Environment is working to determine the extent of the contamination. Until more is known, residents should not use the water for human consumption until advised otherwise by the Health Unit.

Health unit staff will continue to monitor the situation. The health unit will notify the public when the drinking water advisory is lifted and residents will be advised.

For more information, phone the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 705-522-9200, ext. 398, toll-free at 1-866-522-9200 or visit www.sdhu.com.


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