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Boil water advisory for Town of Oyen

Jan 18, 2023 | 4:56 PM

OYEN, AB – A boil water advisory has been issued for the Town of Oyen and will remain in effect until further notice.

Alberta Health Services issued the advisory after a power outage in the early hours of Jan. 18 affected a municipal generator that supports water for the community. It says water pressure was affected and drinking water for Oyen may be unsafe to drink or use.

AHS says anyone in the Town of Oyen should bring water to a rapid rolling boil for at least one minute prior to any consumption, including:

  • drinking
  • food preparation
  • brushing teeth or rinsing mouth
  • cleaning raw foods
  • preparing infant formula, beverages or juices
  • making coffee using coffee machines
  • making ice cubes and ice treats, etc.

If possible, drink bottled water only, says AHS.

Water used for bathing or washing clothes does not need to be boiled and infants and toddlers should be sponge-bathed.

For hand-washing, AHS advises to wash with soap and water and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing more than 60 per cent alcohol after drying your hands.

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. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

For more information on Boil Water Advisories and using water safely when an advisory is in place, resources for homeowners and businesses are available at albertahealthservices.ca/eph/Page15235.aspx#boilwater.