Residents and businesses located to the west of the Mattagami River Bridge in Timmins have been instructed to boil their water once water service is back up and running. The City of Timmins, in conjunction with Northeastern Public Health, issued a proactive boil water advisory on Wednesday following a watermain break that resulted in a drop in water pressure within the system.
The impacted area encompasses the Mountjoy district, where an emergency repair of the watermain commenced overnight around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The city anticipates that the repair work will persist until approximately 4 p.m. Residents and businesses may encounter no water, low water pressure, or discolored water during the repair process.
Upon the restoration of water services, individuals are advised to bring the water to a rolling boil for a minimum of one minute before using it for consumption, preparing infant formula or beverages, brushing teeth, rinsing raw food, or making ice. Dishes should be washed using boiled water that has been cooled or with potable water from an alternative source.
Potable water is accessible at the Archie Dillon Sportsplex for residents to refill their reusable bottles or containers, with city personnel available on-site to offer assistance. In case water appears discolored post-repairs, the city suggests running the cold-water tap closest to the source for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until the water runs clear. While discolored water is not harmful, it should not be ingested or used for laundry as it may cause staining.
The boil water advisory will continue until the city obtains two consecutive sets of satisfactory drinking water samples, with each sample being collected at least 24 hours apart. Additional details regarding boil water advisories can be found through Northeastern Public Health’s website.