Drinking Water Emergencies

Drinking water advisories are issued to warn people that the water in the drinking water distribution system may be unsafe or is known to not be safe based on water quality test results. As described below, the type of advisory can vary based on the contaminant(s) involved.

• Boil Water Advisory: Boil water advisories are issued as a means to inform consumers that they need to boil their water in order to protect their health against the potential presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites. Consumers are to bring their water to a rolling boil for at least one minute or as otherwise directed by the public health unit before using it for consumption (e.g. cooking, making formula, juices, or ice) or activities where it might be unintentionally ingested (e.g. brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables before eating them).
• Do Not Consume Water Advisory: Do not consume water advisories are issued as a means to inform consumers to use an entirely alternate water source such a bottled water to protect their health against the potential presence of chemicals or other contaminants that cannot be removed by boiling their water. In these instances, ingestion is the only route of exposure that is of concern so while preparing food, cooking, brushing teeth, etc with the water is to be avoided, many domestic uses such as flushing toilets, laundry and showering (cautiously as to avoid ingestion) may still be permitted unless otherwise directed by the public health unit.
• Do Not Use Water Advisory: Do not use water advisories are issued as a means to inform consumers to use an entirely alternate water source such a bottled water to protect their health against the potential ingestion, inhalation and/or skin exposure to harmful contaminants in the water. As a result, water should not be used for any domestic purposes such as preparing food, cooking, making formula, juices or ice as well as brushing teeth and bathing or as otherwise directed by the public health unit.

Please note: the above drinking water advisory descriptions and uses of water are subject to requirements as determined by the public health unit. As many of the permitted uses of water are dependent on the contaminate involved and its level in the water, consumers should use public health recommendations and direction when determining how to use their water under a drinking water advisory.

The GRCA’s Low Water Response Program has three condition levels as described below. The levels are based on trends in flows and rainfall to avoid water quantity issues for those taking water from the Grand River including the City of Brantford.

• Level 1: River flows are less than 70 percent of their normal summer low flow and/or precipitation has been less than 80 percent of average. Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent.
• Level 2: River flows are less than 50 percent of their normal summer low flow and/or precipitation has been less than 60 percent of average. Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent.
• Level 3: River flows are less than 30 percent of their normal summer low flow and/or precipitation has been less than 40 percent of average. There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. Additional mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water may be required by the province.

Regular testing of the City’s drinking water system in conducted in accordance with Ontario Regulation 170/03. The City regularly posts the drinking water quality reports on the City’s website.

In the event of a drinking water advisory, the municipality will work with Grand Erie Public Health and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to ensure corrective actions are taken, the public who are impacted are notified and has means to access safe, potable water. Public notifications may be issued using a variety of media (e.g. media release, social media posts) and communication methods (e.g. door to door, Alert Ready) based on the scale and severity of the incident.

River flow rates are continually monitored and managed through a series of dams and reservoirs operated by the Grand River Conservation Authority. Reservoir and river data including current flow rates can be found on their website. Additionally, you may also sign up to receive Low Water Condition messages. The Ministry of Natural Resources also posts Low Water conditions on an interactive map of Ontario.

In the event of a low water incident on the Grand River, the GRCA will post its status on their homepage. The City will also notify residents and users using multiple media platforms (e.g. media release, social media posts) and communications.

• Store at least 4 litres of water per person, per day for 3 days as part of your emergency kit. You can use this water during an emergency for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and other uses. Consider storing more water than this for pregnant people, people who are sick and pets. When doing so,
  • observe the expiration date for store-bought water.
  • use food grade water storage containers and replace the water every 6 months if you are filling containers with water to store
  • DO NOT USE containers that were previously used to hold liquid or solid toxic chemicals, such as bleach or pesticides.

A drinking water advisory,

• Consider installing additional water treatment in your home. Be sure to talk to a professional to understand what contaminants will be removed and ensure the treatment unit is serviced regularly.
• Surface water includes water from lakes, streams, rivers, ponds, and springs. Do NOT drink this water unless it has been properly filtered and disinfected. The only way to be sure it is safe is to test it.

A low water incident,

• Learn about the City’s several water programs to help you conserve water and avoid water related issues.
• Understand and apply the City’s Water Use Regulation for regular water use and low water restrictions.
• Apply water conservation tips to conserve water and save money as regular practice
• Consider installing low-flow toilets, washers, shower heads and other appliances designed to use less water and save money.
• Repair all leaks in a timely manner.

A drinking water advisory,

• For any advisory issued, follow all instructions for safe water use as provided by the health unit.
• If a boil water advisory is issued,
  • Cloudy water should be left to settle and filtered through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter.
  • Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one full minute, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate and let the water cool before drinking.
  • Once cooled, store the boiled water it in clean containers with tight covers.
  • To improve the flat taste of boiled water, add one pinch of salt to each liter of water, or pour the water from one clean container to another several times which allows for more oxygen to get into the water.
• If you cannot boil water during a boil water advisory, bottled water should be sought. If you must still use tap water, you can disinfect it with unscented chlorine bleach products that are suitable for disinfection and sanitization as indicated on the label. To disinfect your water using chlorine bleach:
  • Add a small amount (2 millilitres or 1/2 teaspoon) of unscented 5.25% household bleach to 1 litre (4 cups) of water.
  • Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. The water should have a slight chlorine odor. If it doesn’t, repeat the dosage and let stand for another 15 minutes before use.
  • If the chlorine taste is too strong, pour the water from one clean container to another and let it stand for a few hours before use.
    
    Water disinfection tablets that contain chlorine, iodine, chlorine dioxide, or other disinfecting agents are also available online or at pharmacies and sporting goods stores. Follow the instructions on the product label as each product may have a different strength.
    
    Note: Bleach and water disinfection tablets as noted above will not remove chemical pollutants or kill some disease-causing organisms commonly found in surface water supplies, such as Cryptosporidium.
• Avoid drinking carbonated or caffeinated beverages instead of drinking water as they dehydrate the body.

A low water incident,

• Major water users should apply applicable actions as per the GRCA’s Suggested Actions in Response to Low Water For Major Water Use Sectors.
• All residents and applicable users are to adhere to the City’s Water Use Regulation which includes general prohibitions under any conditions as well as additional restrictions in the event of a low water incident.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily (e.g. disposing of tissues).
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Avoid letting the water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, washing your face or shaving.
• Operate dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded.

• Check with authorities to determine when it is safe to resume use of the water supply and what activities are permitted.
• Evaluate your emergency plan and restock your emergency kit.

• Continue to follow direction of public health and the City’s Environmental Services Department. In some instances following a drinking water advisory, you may be directed to run your water for a certain amount of time before resuming use.
• Private water wells that may be potentially contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites should be disinfected and sampled prior to use. Alternative measures will be required for chemical contamination. Consult your public health unit to discuss the proper disinfection steps, treatment and sampling options.

• Return to water use practices as instructed or required by City officials. Depending on the low water level issued, this may include a phase approach to return to regular use.

• Grand Erie Public Health
• Finding Safe Drinking Water in an Emergency (NCCEH)
• Well Disinfection Tool (PHO)
• Chlorine Dilution Calculator (PHO)
• GRCA Low Water Response
• Ontario Low Water Response brochure
• How to Create an Emergency Water Supply (CDC)