Saint John boil water order affects 35,000

A boil water order has been issued for much of Saint John after untreated water got into the system.

The order affects about 35,000 people east of the Reversing Falls Bridge, with the exception of parts of Millidgeville, said Brent McGovern, deputy commissioner of Saint John Water.

That represents about 60 per cent of the city's customer base, including homes and businesses.

The boil order is expected to remain in effect until at least Monday afternoon, he said.

An operational error at the Latimer Lake water treatment facility Friday morning is to blame, said McGovern.

A valve was left open for about 15 minutes, allowing water that was untreated with chlorine to get into the system, he said.

Reduced chlorine levels reduce the effectiveness of the disinfection process and the safety of the drinking water cannot be guaranteed, McGovern said.

May cause illness

The water may contain bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. Infants, young children, the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems are at increased risk.

Chlorine levels were re-established by about 8 a.m., but the boil water order likely won't be lifted until Monday because there must be two clean tests at least 24 hours apart, he said.

The city is working with the Department of Health and the Environment Department, McGovern said.

The parts of Millidgeville that aren't affected include the areas north of the following:

• Spar Cove Road and Belleview Avenue.
• Millidge Avenue and Ropewalk Road.
• Somerset Street.

West Saint John is not affected because it falls under a different system.

People who live in east Saint John are advised to boil their tap water for at least a minute before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, juice, coffee, tea or washing vegetables that will not be cooked. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

It is safe for people to take showers, bathe and use swimming pools. It is also safe to wash dishes in hot, soapy water or with a dishwasher.