Boil water advisories
A boil water advisory (BWA) is a notice issued by Southeast Public Health to protect public health. A boil water advisory is issued when test results indicate the presence of bacteria in the water supply, or if there is a risk that drinking water may be contaminated and could pose a health risk.
Boil water advisories apply to specific areas or water systems and may not affect the entire municipality.
The City of Quinte West shares the public health unit’s Boil Water Advisories that apply to Quinte West municipal water customers and the community.
Residents should check the details of each advisory carefully to determine whether their property is affected. Follow the instructions provided in the advisory, even if your water appears clear or tastes normal.
Where can I get information about boil water advisories?
When the Southeast Public Health Unit declares a boil water advisory within the City of Quinte West, depending on the extent of the impacted area, residents may be notified through:
- Quinte West Alerts – the City’s emergency notification system
- The City’s website – quintewest.ca
- The City’s social media channels
- Regular media channels
- Southeast Public Health’s disclosure website page
Notice will also be provided through the channels listed above when the boil water advisory is no longer in effect.
How do I use water when a boil water advisory has been issued?
Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use.
Water should not be used for:
- Drinking
- Making infant formula
- Cooking
- Making ice
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Brushing teeth
Use tap water for:
- Flushing toilets
- Shaving
- Taking showers (adults and older children)
- Washing clothes (unless the water is discoloured)
Use boiled or bottled water for:
- Brushing teeth
- Coffee makers
- Drinking
- Giving water to pets
- Handwashing
- Making ice
- Preparing food and baby formula
- Sponge bathing babies and young children
- Washing fruits and vegetables
Do not use:
- Children’s water play activities such as wading pools and water tables
- Kitchen and other household water filters
- Ice makers and soda dispensers that are connected to the water supply
When is a boil water advisory lifted?
The boil water advisory will end when Southeast Public Health has determined that the drinking water from the drinking water system does not present a health or safety risk to users. In most cases, Southeast Public Health will require lab analysis of the water showing acceptable results, such as no E. coli or total coliforms, from two consecutive sets of water samples taken 24 to 48 hours apart, from all parts of the affected distribution system.
What should I do when a boil water advisory is lifted?
- Run cold water faucets for one minute before using the water.
- Run drinking fountains for one minute before using the water.
- Flush all garden hoses by running cold water through them for one minute.
- Run your water softener through a regeneration cycle.
- Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45°C (normal setting is 60°C).
Resources and more information
Water notifications
A water notification is an official notice from the City providing important information, updates or instructions about water quality, safety, availability or use.
The City issues water notifications to keep residents informed about conditions affecting drinking water quality and safety, water services, and water use.
In addition to boil water advisories, the City may issue water notifications about:
- Drinking water advisories – when water should not be consumed or used for certain purposes.
- Water service interruptions – when water service is temporarily disrupted due to watermain breaks, repairs, maintenance or equipment issues.
- Water contamination warnings – when spills or other incidents may affect local water sources or create health and safety concerns.
Where can I get information about water notifications?
When the City of Quinte West issues a water notification, depending on the extent of the impacted area, residents may be notified through:
- Quinte West Alerts – the City’s emergency notification system
- The City’s website – quintewest.ca
- The City’s social media channels
- Regular media channels
- Southeast Public Health’s disclosure website page