Do Not Use Water Advisory

Issued: When authorities suspect or have confirmed the presence of chemical/radiological products or contaminants in the drinking water supply.

Instructions: DO NOT use the water from the affected water supply under any circumstances and AVOID skin contact. You must use an alternate safe source of water or bottled water for all your water needs.

You CANNOT use the water for:

  • Drinking
  • Making ice cubes, juices or other mixes
  • Preparing baby food or infant formula
  • Preparing food, or washing fruits and vegetables
  • Gargling, or brushing your teeth or dentures
  • Washing your hands
  • Washing dishes, cutting boards and countertops
  • Household cleaning
  • Doing the laundry
  • Taking a shower or a bath
  • Swimming
  • Any other use

Why: The presence of contaminants is suspected or has been confirmed by health authorities.

Resources

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has prepared templates to assist owners and operating authorities of drinking water systems during a drinking water advisory. In the event of a do not use water advisory, you can download the templates below and adapt/modify them according to your needs. You can use the templates below to prepare a public notice, poster/sign, press release, email, web content or any other material you require.  Please note that the areas in grey are fields that need to be replaced with the information specific to your advisory.