Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The town of Badger in Newfoundland and Labrador is under a boil water advisory Sunday, as the town continues to grapple with flooding, evacuation orders, and an impending snowstorm.
Drinking water must be brought to a “vigorous rolling boil for a minimum of one minute before use,” said a post on the Community of Badger Facebook page.
This includes water for drinking; brushing teeth; food preparation; cooking; washing fruits or vegetables; making ice; preparing coffee, tea or other beverages; preparing infant formula or cereal; or mixing beverages from concentrates or powders.
Water can still be used for bathing, cleaning, washing and other household uses, said the post.
More than 100 homes have been evacuated in Badger, which has around 680 people. Badger is located at the confluence of the Exploits, Badger and Red Indian rivers, which swelled and spilled into residential areas on Thursday.
Water declining, but still high in river
On Sunday afternoon Mayor Dennis Butt told CBC News water levels are gradually declining in the river but still high — about two and a half feet about the riverbank.
The boil water order is precautionary, he said, as they wait for a technician to test the drinking water.
“We think that there’s no issue, but it’s best to be safe than sorry,” he said.
Parts of Badger are under an evacuation order due to high water levels in the river. (Katie Breen/CBC)Officials watching for storm Sunday
A winter storm is expected in the area Monday morning, and officials are watching closely for potential effects of additional snow.
Butt said “no one knows for sure” how the river will react, noting the snow will put a lot of extra weight on the ice.
“It is of concern.”
Before considering ending the evacuation order, Butt previously said water levels must be in a consistent decline for at least 24 hours, and “well below” riverbank levels.
Dennis Butt, mayor of Badger, N.L., says water levels are still high in his community. (Katie Breen/CBC)
Butt is asking residents to be patient, adding they don’t want to lift evacuation orders prematurely.
“I know it’s frustrating,” said Butt.
He’s encouraging people to visit the Badger Community Centre for support or reach out to the Canadian Red Cross phone line at 1-800-863-6582.
Butt said he doesn’t know the full extent of potential property damage at this point, but knows some people have suffered minor damage.
“We’re doing everything that we can on the ground to make sure that all of the infrastructure is fine, that there’s no damage to people’s homes.”
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.