The shelves in the bottled water aisles of local grocery stores went bare fast and town ordered local restaurants to close their doors<\/p>\n
As Collingwood received news of a boil water advisory because of a broken water main Friday, residents flocked to grocery stores, clearing the bottled water off the shelves.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At one local store, three pallets of water sold out within 45 minutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Restaurants in town have been ordered to close for the duration of the boil water advisory, which could last for five days.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mayor Yvonne Hamlin released a statement this evening confirming the town’s emergency management team has been convened to work with town staff and external partners during the boil water advisory and water service disruption.<\/p>\n
A note from the town released shortly after the mayor’s statement indicates the town is setting up water bottle pickup locations for those who cannot boil water.<\/p>\n
The town promised an update on Saturday morning\u00a0(Dec. 13).<\/p>\n
While crews are on site where the water main leaked early this afternoon<\/a>, the advisory remains in place until after the pipes are repaired and multiple water tests come back clear to the satisfaction of the local health unit.\u00a0<\/p>\n The water main broke in the area of the Pretty River Parkway and Hume Street intersection.\u00a0<\/p>\n Residents do not have to use bottled water, they can boil tap water to make it safe by leaving it at a rolling boil for one minute then letting it cool.<\/p>\n Bottled or boiled water can be used for:<\/p>\n
Water for pets should also be boiled or bottled.<\/p>\n The town is also asking residents to continue to reduce water usage to help conserve the supply.<\/p>\n Adults, teens, and older children can use water that has not been boiled for baths and showers. Small children can be given sponge-baths. Do not swallow any water used for showers or baths. While it is safe to do laundry using the water, please continue to reduce water usage immediately to help conserve supply.<\/p>\n Hand hygiene is important for preventing the spread of germs and should continue:<\/p>\n
\n\tdrinking (pets and people);
\n\tbrushing teeth or rinsing dentures;
\n\tpreparing food, washing fruits, vegetables, and other food;
\n\tpreparing infant formula;
\n\tmaking ice, beverages, or other mixes; and
\n\twashing dishes\u2014wash dishes with soap and water, rinse them and then sanitize them in a separate sink with a capful of bleach mixed with a sink full of clear water.
<\/p>\n