Lambton Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Karalyn Dueck, is advising users of the water from the St. Clair River, to NOT use this water as the presence of crude oil has been confirmed in the above-mentioned water supply. Municipal water supplies remain safe to drink and bathe in.
After consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and St. Clair Township, we have confirmed that the spill has concluded but has spread from its source point with potential impacts south of the Suncor Sarnia Refinery.
Until further notice, DO NOT USE water from the river under any circumstances and avoid skin contact.
Steps and Precautions
Until further notice, you must use the municipal source of water for all your needs, including:
- Bathing;
- Drinking;
- Gargling, spraying, brushing your teeth, or rinsing dentures;
- Hand washing;
- Household cleaning;
- Laundry;
- Making ice, juices, puddings, or other mixes;
- Preparing food, including the washing of fruits and vegetables;
- Preparing infant food and baby formula, and:
- Washing and cleaning dishes and countertops, and;
- Washing your hands.
There have been no known reports of illness associated with this incident. Should you or someone in your family become ill, please seek medical advice.
Lambton Public Health is monitoring the situation and will notify users once the incident has been resolved, and the Advisory has been lifted.
Questions related to the incident can be directed to Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060. For more health information during a Do Not Use Water Advisory, contact Lambton Public Health by calling 519-383-8331 or visit our website at www.lambtonpublichealth.ca.