Precautionary Boil Water Advisory in effect on a part of the network

The Municipality of Chelsea wishes to inform the population that precautionary boil water advisory is currently in effect on the portion of the system west of Highway 5 (between Highway 5 and Chemin Scott) due to an equipment problem. We are asking all residents served by the water system to reduce their water consumption during this period.

All Chelsea residents affected by this advisory are required to boiled their water for at least one minute before consuming it, until the advisory is lifted. As soon as the situation is restored, an email will be sent, in addition to messages on the various municipal platforms to warn citizens.

Boiled or bottled water should be used to prepare formula, bottles and baby food, wash vegetables and fruit that will be eaten raw, prepare beverages (including coffee), wash dishes, and brush teeth and rinse mouths. Please discard all food, including ice, prepared with tap water after the date and time of this advisory. It is also recommended that you give your pets previously boiled and cooled water.

Area affected by the precautionary notice

What is a Precautionary Boil Water Advisory

A precautionary boil water advisory is a notice that the Municipality issues when there is a risk of contamination. In fact, when the system requires maintenance or when a breakdown occurs, the water is not necessarily contaminated. However, the water must undergo a certain test protocol to validate that it has not been in contact with contaminants. Therefore, for your safety, it is recommended to apply the boiling protocols while waiting for the confirmation that the water is potable.

Do I need to worry about my health? 

The Municipality takes the situation of the last year seriously. However, there is no danger to the health of residents. The problem is caused by turbidity in the water that blocks the equipment needed to produce water. This causes a significant drop in water production and pressure, which also triggers a boil water advisory as a preventive measure in accordance with the Act. Preventive boil water advisories are therefore issued because of an equipment problem. Please be advised that our team is working around the clock to resolve this issue and some of the equipment will be replaced tonight. 

Why have boil water advisories been more frequent in the past year?

The Municipality is currently investigating the exact cause. It could be caused by the low level of the Gatineau River which causes an increase in turbidity and forces us to clean and replace our equipment more frequently.

The Municipality has proceeded to purchase additional equipment to address, in part, the problem. However, it continues to investigate in order to solve the problem.