AHS issues boil-water advisory for areas of Rocky View County

Alberta Health Services has issued a boil-water advisory for areas of Rocky View County after an issue was discovered with one of the systems supplying water to the county, which surrounds the northern half of Calgary.

AHS sent out the advisory in a news release late Friday night. 

"Due to an issue with the Salt Box Coulee waterworks system and several Rocky View County water systems which draw water from it, a boil-water advisory is in place for residences supplied by these water systems," the release said.

The affected systems include Salt Box Coulee, Calling Horse Estates, Windmill Water Co-op and Deer Springs.

When contacted by CBC News, AHS spokesperson Janine Poersch said approximately 69 homes are affected by the order.

AHS advises residents and businesses supplied by those systems bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to any consumption, including drinking, brushing teeth, cleaning raw foods, preparing infant formula or juices, and making ice.

Water used for bathing or washing clothes does not need to be boiled, AHS said. For hand-washing, people should use soap and water, then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing more than 60 per cent alcohol after drying their hands.

The release says that corrective action is taking place to address the matter, but does not say how long the advisory is expected to remain in place.

AHS environmental public health officers will continue to monitor the situation, including sampling and testing of the drinking water to ensure it is safe for consumption, the release said.

For more information on boil-water advisories and using water safely when an advisory is in place, AHS recommends homeowners and businesses visit this website.