Boil Your Water Before Drinking, Gatineau Tells 45,000 Residents
Ottawa-Gatineau's National Capital Region is dealing with a water safety issue this weekend, as the City of Gatineau has issued a boil-water advisory for approximately 45,000 residents in the Gatineau sector following a water main break on Friday.
The advisory, which affects a significant chunk of the Quebec side of the river, asks residents to boil all water before consuming it — including water used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and preparing food.
What Happened?
A water main broke Friday, prompting the City of Gatineau to issue the precautionary advisory out of concern that the break may have compromised water quality in the distribution network. Water main breaks can sometimes allow contaminants or bacteria to enter the system, making boiling a necessary precaution until tests confirm the water is safe again.
City crews were working to repair the break, but residents are asked to follow the boil-water advisory until officials confirm the water supply has been cleared.
Who Is Affected?
The advisory covers the Gatineau sector — one of the four urban sectors that make up the City of Gatineau. With around 45,000 residents affected, this is a significant disruption for a large portion of the community.
For anyone who commutes between Ottawa and Gatineau for work, or has family on the Quebec side of the river, it's worth passing along the advisory. Many National Capital Region residents move fluidly between the two cities daily.
How to Stay Safe
The City of Gatineau recommends the following until the advisory is lifted:
- Boil all tap water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth
- Do not use tap water to make ice — discard any ice made during the advisory period
- Bottled water is a safe alternative if boiling isn't convenient
- Pets should also drink boiled or bottled water during the advisory
Residents should monitor the City of Gatineau's official communications for updates on when the advisory will be lifted. Typically, the city conducts water quality testing after repairs are complete before declaring the all-clear.
A Reminder for Both Sides of the River
Water main breaks are not uncommon in older municipal infrastructure, and both Ottawa and Gatineau have aging water systems that require ongoing maintenance and investment. This incident serves as a timely reminder for residents on both sides of the Ottawa River to stay informed about water quality advisories in their neighbourhoods.
If you're unsure whether your address falls within the affected zone, check the City of Gatineau's website or contact the city directly.
Source: CBC Ottawa
