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Info Alerte Bedford

Precautionary Boil-Water Advisory

February 4, 2025

A precautionary boil-water advisory is currently in effect for the territory of Bedford, Canton de Bedford, Stanbridge Station and Saint-Armand.

Boil the water for at least one minute before consuming it.

 

The precautionary boil-water advisory will be lifted as soon as the tests carried out confirm that the water is drinkable and meets the quality standards in effect.

 You will be notified via the Info Alert, the Facebook page and a website update as soon as the advisory is lifted.

 

🔔❗️ Register to the Alerte info system to receive notices and updates regarding boil-water advisories (by email, text or automated phone calls) via https://bedford.simsms.ca/


INSTRUCTIONS DURING A PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER ADVISORY :

 

🚱 Boil water for at least 1 minute or use commercially bottled water before :

  • drinking it
  • washing foods during the preparation of meals
  • brushing your teeth
  • preparing baby bottles
  • feeding it to your pets

 

🚰 Unless otherwise advised, you may continue to use the city’s water without boiling it when :

  • taking a shower or bath and bathing children (making sure they do not swallow any water)
  • during the preparation of cooked food and dishes
  • washing dishes in hot water with soap (make sure to dry dishes before use)
  • running the dishwasher (hot cycles are recommended)
  • washing laundry in the washing machine (be careful with whites and lights if you are experiencing episodes of colored water)

 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS :

 

Why was a boil water advisory issued ?

A preventive boil water advisory may be issued by the person responsible for a distribution network, for example if there is a risk of contamination of drinking water following inadequate filtration or disinfection at the drinking water production station, or due to repair work on water mains.*

The current boil water advisory has been issued as part of Phase 1 of the drinking water plant modernization project. This phase includes replacing the distribution pumps, a key step in improving the network’s resilience and reliability.

Although the work was carried out at night to minimize disruptions, a temporary water shutdown on the evening of February 3, followed by a preventive boil water advisory, is necessary to ensure water quality when the system is restarted.

More details on the Filtration Plant Modernization Project

 

How long will the advisory be in effect ?

The advisory will remain in effect until water testing confirms that it is safe to consume. This may take several days. You will be notified via the Info Alert system, the city’s official Facebook page and via a website update as soon as the advisory is lifted.

 

What does « boiling water » mean ?

Boiling water involves:
1. Bringing water to a full rolling boil (rolling).
2. Maintaining a boil for 1 full minute.
3. Allowing to cool before using.

 

Can I use the tap water during a boil water advisory to take a shower or bath ?

Yes, tap water can be used to wash hands and body, except for open wounds.
For young children, ensure that they do not swallow water while showering or bathing.

 

What measures should be taken in a food establishment during a boil water advisory ?

When a boil water advisory is in effect, employees of a food preparation establishment (such as a restaurant) must :

  • Boil water for at least one minute before use, or
  • Use an alternative water source (bottled water or water from another distribution network).

This applies to the following activities :

  • Washing hands during food prep;
  • Washing fruits and vegetables and foods during preparation;
  • Preparing drinks (e.g. baby bottles, concentrated juices);
  • Making ice;
  • Cleaning equipment and work surfaces.

For more information, consult the document Que faire à la suite d’un avis d’ébullition de l’eau de consommation destiné aux exploitants d’établissements de préparation d’aliments, published by the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation.

 

What should I do if I drank unboiled water ?

If you have drunk unboiled water, watch for symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea. Consult a health care professional if you experience any unusual symptoms.

 

Is the water safe to drink for my pets ?

For pets, it is recommended to boil the water and let it cool before feeding it to them. Some pets are more sensitive to contaminants in water.

 

 

Do you have any further questions ?

Contact us by phone at: 450-248-2440 or by email at : administration@ville.bedford.qc.ca

 

*Sources:
Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs