Service Disruptions

Boil Water Advisory LIFTED for Gravenhurst Water Customers

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 (Gravenhurst, ON) – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for water customers in the Town of Gravenhurst.

The water is safe to consume. The water does not need to be boiled before drinking.  For more information, visit www.smdhu.org or call Health Connection Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, ext. 8811 to speak with a public health inspector.  For instructions on what steps to take, please visit: https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/townofgravenhurstwater 

“On behalf of District Council, I would like to offer my sincerest apology for the significant impacts and inconvenience that the Gravenhurst community experienced,” said District Chair John Klinck. “We understand the effects this has had on regular daily household routines.  We also recognize the impacts on local business operations and the disruption to planned events and community recreation programs.  Thank you to residents, businesses and community groups for coming together to support each other. 

“We understand our community has many questions about what happened,” said Julie Stevens, District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).  “We are committed to examining all circumstances and procedures related to this emergency, as we do with all significant service outages. We will continue to provide updates to the community on all recommendations and actions that result from this review.”

Thank You

The public response to this water emergency has been overwhelming.  We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to share our official updates.  Thank you to SMDHU and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) for providing direction and resources. Thank you to those who volunteered their time, efforts and resources to make sure our community was supported during this emergency. Thank you.

Register for Voyent Alert!

In times of crisis, it is important that residents have access to trusted, timely and accurate information to ensure their own safety and that of their family and loved ones.

By downloading the Voyent Alert! app and registering, residents and visitors can select to receive notifications from a wide variety of communication channels, including mobile apps, text/SMS alerting, email or voice calling.

Registration for the service is FREE, simple and completely anonymous.

For Mobile App Alerts: Download and install the Voyent Alert! app from the Apple or Google Play app stores. For Email, Text Message or Voice Call Alerts: Register online at https://register.voyent-alert.com

The District of Muskoka is made up of six area municipalities and is responsible for delivering critical public services and programs to residents in our community. Visit our website at www.muskoka.on.ca

Stay Connected

For updates by email, subscribe to News Updates. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

-30-

Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect for Gravenhurst Water Customers

Monday, November 29, 2021 (Gravenhurst, ON) – A Boil Water Advisory (BWA) was issued on Saturday and remains in effect for Town of Gravenhurst water customers until further notice.

Water Testing Continues

As part of the Boil Water Advisory issued by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), the District is required to sample water and submit consecutive water tests for a minimum of 48 hours before the Advisory can be lifted. Two sets of samples are required, and it takes 24 hours per sample – this is the fastest allowable time to expedite results.    

The District is sampling water and meeting all requirements for testing to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act – due to the length of time required between samples, we are anticipating the Advisory will be lifted midday on Tuesday.

A water truck with clean, fresh drinking water continues to be available and will be stationed at Canadian Tire in Gravenhurst on Talisman Drive daily from 9:00am – 4:00pm until the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted. If you need emergency support or immediate access to bottled water, we’re here to help. Please contact us at housingsupport@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2412.

A Community Comes Together

“The countless volunteers, local businesses, and organizations who continue to offer their support during this water emergency has been overwhelming,” said Julie Stevens, CAO at the District of Muskoka. “We recognize the significant impact this emergency has had on our community, and we are doing everything we can to get our system back to normal.”

On Saturday, the District worked with our partners to ensure clean, fresh drinking water was available – Canadian Tire quickly accommodated these needs by extending use of a heated bay for a water truck, so containers, jugs and bottles could be filled without freezing the valves on the unit.

The District would like to thank all community members and our media partners for continuing to share official updates from the District and direction from the SMDHU, and would like to encourage all property owners in Muskoka to download the Voyent Alert! app. We have seen a significant increase in the amount of registrations of our Voyent Alert! app this weekend – in times of crisis of any type, including water emergencies, this is the most accurate and timely tool you can have at your fingertips for the most recent information and direction from an official source.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: When will our water be safe to drink without boiling it first?

A: We are waiting for lab results on the final set of required water samples, as required by the SMDHU to lift the boil water order and advisory. We are asking water customers in Gravenhurst to prepare to boil water before consuming until the Order and advisory is lifted, which we are hopeful to occur midday on Tuesday. When the boil water order and advisory are lifted, we will communicate with you to advise on next steps like flushing your water lines prior to use.

Q: I need bottled water and have jugs to fill – where can I get fresh, clean drinking water?

A: Water trucks are stationed at Canadian Tire in Gravenhurst – bring your bottles, jugs and containers to be filled. A water truck will continue to be available at Canadian Tire in Gravenhurst until the Boil Water Advisory is lifted.

Q: What can I use the water for without boiling it first? 

A: A Boil Water Advisory is issued to ensure the water comes to a boil, before consuming. Activities such as laundry and bathing (where one doesn’t consume the water) are safe. Household dishwashers are generally safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees, or the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle. Make sure all baby bottles are sanitized before use. Tap water can be used for watering household plants.

Q: What do I need to do at home, to prepare for the Boil Water Advisory to be lifted?

A: Continue to boil the water until you have received notice the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted. Instructions from the SMDHU and the District will be issued when the SMDHU lifts the Order.

Q: How did you notify water customers of the emergency?

A: The District, in partnership with the SMDHU notified water customers via a Voyent Alert!, the District’s emergency notification platform. If you have not yet subscribed to this essential tool, please visit www.muskoka.on.ca to learn how to install the App today.

In addition to local media outreach and social media updates, the District solicited volunteers to hand deliver letters to Gravenhurst water customers, offering an official update, and ensuring residents were aware of the situation. The SMDHU also has policies in place for notifying commercial establishments of their obligations to protect the community, while the Boil Water Advisory is in effect.

Q: How will we know when the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted and the water is safe to drink?

A: When the SMDHU lifts the Boil Water Advisory, the District will update the community immediately via the Voyent Alert! app. If you have not yet subscribed, visit the District’s website for more information at www.muskoka.on.ca or download the app immediately by visiting https://register.voyent-alert.com. The District will also issue a News Release, update the media and share the official news on the District’s social media channels, Facebook and Twitter. Commercial customers will be notified by the SMDHU.

Q: When can restaurants and food establishments re-open in Gravenhurst?

A: Owners and Operators of Food Premises in the Town of Gravenhurst on municipal drinking water system are reminded that while water pressure may be restored, it does not mean that the water is safe for use and shall not be used for food preparation.  Therefore, food premises that utilize water for food preparation are ordered to close, or are required to modify their business to only sell pre-packaged food items until which time the boil water order is lifted. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will communicate more information to food premises on the reopening of their businesses and actions to be taken once the boil water order is lifted. For more information see www.smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Q: Will there be an investigation into this emergency? What are the next steps?

A: We understand our community counts on us to deliver clean, fresh drinking water – and how significant water emergencies are. We recognize the inconvenience this causes our customers during their regular daily household routines, the impacts local business operations have experienced and how this situation influences the success of local events and community recreation programs. 

The District is committed to examining all circumstances which cause service disruptions, including full investigations. Analyses and reviews of procedures during this emergency are already underway, as carried out with all significant service outages, and the District will report back on recommendations and actions. 

Q: I know someone who cannot boil their water and needs access to fresh drinking water. Who do they contact?

A: We have volunteers ready to help. If you need help accessing water, please email housingsupports@muskoka.on.ca or call us at 705-645-2412. We have volunteers, community partners and organizations ready to support our community.

For more information on safe drinking water during a Boil Water Advisory see www.smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information and updates, please visit www.muskoka.on.ca or to receive updates by email, subscribe to News Updates. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook.

The District of Muskoka is made up of six area municipalities and is responsible for delivering critical public services and programs to residents in our community. Visit our website at www.muskoka.on.ca

Stay Connected

For updates by email, subscribe to News Updates. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

- 30 -

Sunday, November 28, 2021 (Gravenhurst, ON) – A Boil Water Advisory (BWA) remains in effect for Town of Gravenhurst water customers until further notice. At this time, we advise that Gravenhurst water customers boil their water for at least 1 minute before consumption  (drinking, cooking, brushing teeth) or use an alternate potable source of water until the Boil Water Order and Advisory is lifted by the Medical Officer of Health at least midday on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

What Happened?

Public safety is our top priority. The District continuously monitors all water treatment processes as required through the Safe Drinking Water Act.  The orders and steps taken on Saturday were done to protect our community out of an abundance of caution and ensure compliance with guidelines outlined by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and Simcoe Muskoka District Public Health Unit (SMDHU). 

Early Saturday morning, November 27, 2021, District staff responded to a low fluoride monitoring alarm at the Gravenhurst Water Treatment Plant.  Immediate action was taken to confirm if all treatment processes were functioning as they should.  On inspection, staff resolved the cause of the alarm, but identified a fluoride container that was not properly labelled.  Out of an abundance of caution and to protect the health and wellbeing of our water customers, the District shut down the drinking water system to complete additional testing to ensure that no chemical contamination had occurred.  As a result, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) issued a “Do Not Use” order until further testing was completed. 

It was confirmed that chemical contamination did not occur, and SMDHU ended the “Do Not Use” order Saturday afternoon and then issued a Boil Water Advisory (BWA) order until bacterial testing is completed.  Bacterial testing is a standard procedure required after a water system is shut down. The required test results are expected by midday on Tuesday. 

We recognize how significant the impact of the BWA and understand our community counts on the District to deliver essential services, including clean, safe drinking water - we are working quickly to bring our systems back to normal. 

As part of our standard response to events of this nature, the District will be conducting a complete review of this water emergency.  More information will be provided as it becomes available.

How long will the Boil Water Advisory last?

At this time, we are required to sample water and submit consecutive tests for a minimum of 48 hour before a Boil Water Advisory can be lifted by the SMDHU.   We expect to restore service this week and ask Gravenhurst water customers to prepare to boil their water until at least midday on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

We are working closely with the SMDHU and healthcare partners and can confirm we have had no reports of health issues related to this situation. Gravenhurst water customers who have consumed water before boiling should monitor their health and seek medical attention if required. 

Boil Water Advisory - Reminders

Owners and Operators of Food Premises in the Town of Gravenhurst on municipal drinking water system are reminded that while water pressure may be restored, it does not mean that the water is safe for use and shall not be used for food preparation.  Therefore, food premises that utilize water for food preparation are ordered to close, or are required to modify their business to only sell pre-packaged food items until which time the boil water order is lifted.

To prepare your water for residential use, bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.

Allow it to cool before:

• drinking;
• brushing teeth or rinsing dentures;
• preparing food, wash fruits, vegetables, and other food;
• preparing infant formula;
• making ice, beverages, or other mixes; and
• washing dishes: wash 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.

It is safe to shower or have a bath, but do not swallow any water - it is also safe to do laundry with the water. 

Hand hygiene is important for preventing the spread of germs and should continue during a Boil Water Advisory:

• use an alcohol-based hand rub (60-90% alcohol) for hands that are not visibly soiled;
• if hands are visibly soiled, clean them with a disposable wet wipe, then follow with an alcohol-based hand rub; or
• if disposable hand wipes are not available, hands should be washed with water and soap, dried, and then followed with an alcohol-based hand rub.

For more information on safe drinking water during a Boil Water Advisory see www.smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Help and Support

If you need help or support, we’re here to help.

For information and updates, please visit www.muskoka.on.ca or to receive updates by email, subscribe to News Updates. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook.

For emergency support, or if you require help or assistance accessing bottled water, please contact housingsupport@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2412.

Register for Voyent Alert!

In times of crisis it is important that residents have access to trusted, timely and accurate information to ensure their own safety and that of their family and loved ones.

By downloading the Voyent Alert! app and registering, residents and visitors can select to receive notifications from a wide variety of communication channels including mobile apps, text/SMS alerting, email or voice calling.

Registration for the service is FREE, simple and totally anonymous.

For Mobile App Alerts: Download and install the Voyent Alert! app from the Apple or Google Play app stores. For Email, Text Message or Voice Call Alerts: Register online at https://register.voyent-alert.com

Stay Connected

For updates by email, subscribe to News Updates. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

- 30 -

Update #3: Attention: Gravenhurst Water Users – Municipal Water System Alert 

Saturday, November 27 (Gravenhurst, ON) - Water service has been restored to municipal water customers in the Town of Gravenhurst, however the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a Boil Water Advisory, which is a standard procedure after the water system has been restored.

Out of an abundance of caution, the District turned the taps off to municipal water customers in Gravenhurst early this morning to investigate chemical levels in response to a monitoring alarm.

Testing has shown that the chemical composition of our water is safe. However, when the water system is de-pressurized (i.e. when we shut off the taps), we need to make sure that no bacteria has entered the system – this is why we need you to boil it, before drinking it.

What does this mean?

Water pressure is gradually being restored to customers – this does not mean it is safe to drink. Residents are advised to boil their water before use or, as an alternative, use bottled water or commercially treated water from an approved source until the boil water advisory has been lifted by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

Free cases of bottled water and water trucks are stationed at Canadian Tire on Talisman Road in Gravenhurst at the Auto Centre entrance. Volunteers will be handing out free water and allowing access to fill containers until 6:00 p.m. this evening, and will return at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow (Sunday) morning. 

We are anticipating that municipal water users in the Town of Gravenhurst will need to boil their water until at least midday Tuesday. Official notice will be given when lab results are received and the order is lifted by the Medical Officer of Health confirming that the water is safe to consume.

To prepare your water for use, bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Allow it to cool before:

• drinking;
• brushing teeth or rinsing dentures;
• preparing food, wash fruits, vegetables, and other food;
• preparing infant formula;
• making ice, beverages, or other mixes; and
• washing dishes: wash 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.

This advice also extends to drinking water for pets.

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. It is safe to do laundry with the water.

Hand hygiene is important for preventing the spread of germs and should continue during a Boil Water Advisory:

• use an alcohol-based hand rub (60-90% alcohol) for hands that are not visibly soiled;
• if hands are visibly soiled, clean them with a disposable wet wipe, then follow with an alcohol-based hand rub; or
• if disposable hand wipes are not available, hands should be washed with water and soap, dried, and then followed with an alcohol-based hand rub.

Help and Support

If you need help or support today, we’re here to help. 

For information and updates, please visit www.muskoka.on.ca or to receive updates by email, subscribe to News Updates. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. For emergency support, please contact housingsupport@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2412.

For more information on safe drinking water during a Boil Water Advisory see www.smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- 30 -

Update #2: Attention: Gravenhurst Water Users – Municipal Water System Alert 

Saturday, November 27 (Gravenhurst, ON) - The District of Muskoka continues to experience a problem with the water system in Gravenhurst – affecting the municipal water supply to District water customers. Municipal water in other communities remains safe to use as normal. 

Do not use the water in Gravenhurst, and do not boil the water with the intention to drink or use. Out of an abundance of caution, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a “do not use” order. We are continuing to investigate and hope to get the taps flowing soon.

What’s Happening

This morning, the District was notified of a water supply issue to the Town of Gravenhurst. Investigations concluded that the system needed to be fully shut down in order to fully examine the problem. Out of an abundance of caution, the District is working to confirm the chemical levels, to ensure the water is safe to drink and use. Taps are currently shut off to municipal customers in the Town of Gravenhurst.

Although some residents may still have water pressure, do not drink the water. Do not boil the water before drinking. This is a ‘do not use’ order. Refrain from using the water for any purpose with the exception of flushing your toilet, until further notice.

The District advises water customers that a Boil Water Advisory will be in effect when water service is restored, as required by Public Health.

Timing for Water Repair

The District recognizes this water emergency has caused frustration and concern. We sincerely thank you for your patience as we investigate this issue – and are working hard to turn the taps back on and restore water service. Please do not turn on your taps, or use your water, until you receive notification it is safe.

Where Can I Get Drinking Water?

We understand how significant this issue is and are working quickly to repair the problem.

The District has delivered a water truck with clean drinking water at Canadian Tire at 431 Talisman Drive. Bring your containers, jugs and bottles to be filled during the water outage. The truck will be stationed inside the auto centre. The District is working with our partners to secure additional bottled water, and will update the community when this has been arranged.

There are also public water taps, noting the locations in Gravenhurst are temporarily out of service. The closest public water tap is located at 340 Ecclestone Drive in Bracebridge.

Help and Support

If you need help or support today, we’re here to help. Please contact housingsupport@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2100 if you need immediate assistance or support during this water emergency.

Out of an abundance of caution, the taps to the Town of Gravenhurst have been turned off. If you have already used the water, please monitor your health, and seek medical attention if necessary. Please refrain from using water until further notice.

The District recommends property owners shut off their hot water tank temporarily, until water service is restored. The Gravenhurst Fire Department is aware of this water emergency and has activated contingency plans to address fire protection concerns. 

- 30 -

Update #1: Attention: Gravenhurst Water Users – Municipal Water System Alert 

Saturday, November 27 (Bracebridge, ON) - The District of Muskoka is experiencing a problem with the water system, affecting water supply to the Town of Gravenhurst.

Do not use the water in Gravenhurst, and do not boil the water from your taps. The District is investigating the issue and will provide an update soon.  

As an alternative, residents should temporarily get their water from a safe source, including purchasing bottled water in the interim. There is a public tap at 340 Eccelstone Resevoire in Bracebridge or buy bottled water in the short-term.

If you are accessing the water at the public tap, please ensure you follow COVID-19 safety protocols and maintain social distancing and wear a face-covering where necessary.

Residents can use any municipal public drinking water tap in Muskoka. There are taps located in each area municipality and can be found at the link below.

Map of Public Drinking Water Taps

• Store one gallon of water per person per day for 3 days
• As long as municipal tap water is stored in a clean, airtight container and in a cool location, the water should remain safe indefinitely
• As a general rule it is recommended to change the emergency water supply at least once every six months

By downloading the Voyent Alert! app and registering, residents and visitors can select to receive notifications from a wide variety of communication channels including mobile apps, text/SMS alerting, email or voice calling.  The system will also allow you to create and track multiple locations such as “Kids School”, “Work”, “Cottage” or “Mom’s House”.   Any event or communication related to your tracked locations will be forwarded to you along your preferred communication channel(s).   Smart alerting capabilities ensure that you will only get notified when a communication is relevant to you or one of the locations you are tracking. More information on our AlertMuskoka page.

If there's an emergency, you will need to know this information ahead of time. You can't afford to waste precious time searching while the basement floods or the carpets are drenched.

Most common locations for the master valve are where the main water pipe enters your home, near the washing machine hook-up or near your water heater. Best to check and make certain you and your family know where it is!

• Insulate your outside water pipes with specially designed foam pipe covers or heating tape available from most hardware stores
• Heat your crawl space
• Open cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate
• In extreme cold weather consider leaving a tap open enough to allow a stream of water to flow
• Know where your main shut off is located in case of an emergency

 
Leaving for the winter?  

• If you are on municipal services, consider having your service shut off at the street and your lines drained
• If you are on privates services, arrange for a plumber to winterize your dwelling
• Keep your thermostat set at 15 degrees Celsius or higher

Pipes Already Frozen? 

• If you suspect your pipes are frozen, try using a hair dryer directed where your line enters the home - never use an open flame or torch
• Call a plumber, it may take a professional to determine where it is frozen and a thawing machine may be needed
• Once it is thawed, leave a tap running

Municipal Services Frozen? 

• A plumber can determine if the line is frozen on the municipal side and notify the District of Muskoka Water and Wastewater field staff
• 24/7 contact information is available - see below