Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Karalyn Dueck, is advising users of private drinking water systems to NOT use their tap water as the presence of diesel fuel is suspected to have contaminated private drinking water systems near Hill and Lyndoch Street in Corunna.
At this time only private drinking water systems are impacted. All other Lambton County municipal drinking water systems continue to be safe for consumption and are not covered in this advisory. All local water treatment systems have been notified and are taking precautions to prevent contamination.
Until further notice, DO NOT USE water from any private drinking water systems from this area under any circumstances and avoid skin contact. Swimming precautions have also been issued for the St. Clair River near Lyndoch and Hill Street in response to the incident. Lambton Public Health is advising the public to avoid swimming in the area until further notice.
Steps and Precautions
Until further notice, private drinking water system users must use an alternate source of safe water or bottled water for all their water 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:
- Swimming;
- Washing and cleaning dishes and countertops, and;
- Washing your hands
- Alcohol-based hand disinfectants containing more than 70% alcohol may be used in situations where an alternate water source is not available.
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 the private drinking water system users and the public once the incident has been resolved and the Advisory has been lifted.
For more health information during a Do Not Use Water Advisory, contact Lambton Public Health by calling 519-383-8331 or 1-800-667-1839 or visit our website at www.lambtonpublichealth.ca.
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