Boil water advisory shuts down much of Gravenhurst, schools remain open
A boil water advisory (BWA) remains in effect for the town of Gravenhurst following a complete shutoff to water access on Saturday.
According to officials, the advisory is expected to remain in effect until at least midday on Tues. Nov. 30.
It comes after district staff responded to a low fluoride monitoring alarm from the Gravenhurst Water Treatment Plant early Saturday morning. After the issue was resolved, staff noticed a fluoride container that was not labelled correctly.
"That had to be tested and so in order to do so, because if there was something other than fluoride that went in it, they had to make sure that there wasn't anything that impacted the entire community," Gravenhurst Mayor Paul Kelly tells CTV News.
Water must be boiled for at least one minute and cooled before the following activities:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth or rinsing dentures
- Preparing food
- Making ice, beverages or other mixes
- Drinking water for pets
Officials advise residents to wash dishes with soap and water, rinse them and then sanitize them in a separate sink with some bleach.
Many businesses have been forced to close as a result of the issue.
"Just another hurdle we have to go through, but that's life, I guess," says Nancy Magdalinos, the manager of Rombo's restaurant. "I understand it, and it is a loss of business, but what are you going to do really just kinda move and hope it gets better right?"
While water that has not been boiled can be used for showers, it is recommended that small children be given sponge baths as the water is not to be consumed in any way.
According to the town, laundry activities are also permitted.
Schools in Gravenhurst will remain open on Monday, despite the boil water advisory.
In a release sent Sunday evening, the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) says schools will continue to operate as usual.
Staff will supply bottled water to students while the drinking fountains are turned off.
Washroom facilities are functioning normally and are safe to use. The schools will continue to supply students with clean drinking water until the BWA is lifted.
Anyone in need of additional support can contact housingsupport@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2412.
With files from CTV's Kraig Krause
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.