A boil water advisory has been put into effect for part of Plympton-Wyoming, until further notice, after a watermain break on Thursday.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karalyn Dueck said the break may have resulted in the possible contamination of certain areas of the Plympton-Wyoming Water Distribution System, making the water unsafe for human consumption.
She said the boundaries of the affected area include Egremont Road from Schram Drive to Mandaumin Road, including side streets off Egremont Road.
Those impacted are being told to use boiled water or an alternate source of drinking water for the following activities:
• Bathing
• Drinking
• Gargling, spraying, brushing your teeth, or rinsing dentures
• Hand washing
• Making ice, juices, puddings, or other mixes
• Preparing food, including the washing of fruits and vegetables
• Preparing infant food and baby formula
• Washing and cleaning
Dr. Dueck said in a case like this, it's important to wash your hands with bottled water or boiled, then cooled water.
If you're using non-boiled tap water, wash your hands with liquid soap and dry thoroughly, then rinse and sanitize using either alcohol-based hand disinfectant containing more than 70 per cent alcohol or mild bleach solution.
Adults, teens, and older children can still use tap water for baths and showers, while young children can be given sponge-baths instead of tub baths or showers to ensure no tap water is consumed.
Dishes, cutting boards, and countertops can be washed with soap and water and then disinfected with a bleach solution. Laundry can be done as usual.
The boil water advisory will remain in place until further bacteriological tests prove that the water is safe.
Residents can direct any questions to the Town of Plympton-Wyoming at 519-845-3939.
For more health information during a Boil Water Advisory, contact Lambton Public Health by calling 519-383-8331 or 1-800-667-1839 or visit www.lambtonpublichealth.ca.