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The City of Charlottetown is warning Islanders not to drink discoloured water after some residents reported murky water coming out of their taps Wednesday morning.
Maintenance work on the city’s water system on Feb. 10 resulted in excess sediment in the system, which is causing the temporary discolouration, the city said in a news release.Â
“The public should not consume any water that is discoloured,” the release states.
“The utility recommends flushing cold water through the bathtub or faucets for five minutes until it runs clear. If it doesn’t run clear, residents are advised to wait one hour and try again.”
Crews are working to resolve the issue, the city’s release said, adding that residents can follow the latest updates on social media.Â
In an email to parents and guardians of students who attend Charlottetown-area schools, P.E.I.’s Public Schools Branch said students and staff won’t be using tap water for drinking until the issue is resolved.
The PSB said drinking fountains at affected schools are either shut off or covered with appropriate signage, and bottled water is being delivered to affected schools. It said tap water could continue to be used in toilets and for handwashing “only as per recommendations provided by officials.”
In a statement, P.E.I.’s Chief Public Health Office said it supports Charlottetown’s precautionary order directing residents not to drink the discoloured water.
“Our office is in close communication with the city via the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, and will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the community,” the statement reads.
“We encourage residents to follow the city’s updates and take the recommended precautions until the issue is resolved.”