A municipal water supply is not without risk of contamination or a drinking water shortage. Contamination can occur as the result of a broken water main, flooding, chemical spill or the presence of blue-green algae in water that serves as the source of drinking water.A drinking water shortage can occur as a result of an extended power outage or severe drought.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the inconveniences of these temporary situations.
Contamination of Drinking Water
- If your municipality has issued a water contamination warning, follow the recommendations of the authorities. In mots cases,they will recommend to boil water for at least one minute before drinking. In some contamination situations, you should drink only bottled water.
Do you have doubts about the quality of water from your tap?
- If you are connected to a water supply system, call your municipality or the owner of the network. Municipalities collect samples from the water supply to ensure it is safe to drink.
- If your drinking water comes from a well and you suspect it is contaminated, request an analysis from an accredited laboratory and make sure the well is disinfected.
Drinking Water Shortage
Follow recommendations issued by public health authorities. They will update you on the situation and let you know where you can get drinking water.