Boil Water Order For Part Of Quispamsis

Part of Quispamsis is under a boil water order after “unacceptable bacteria levels” were found in a cluster of private wells in the area.

The affected area includes 53 to 81 Pettingill Road, 1 to 10 Longwood Drive, Wellington Court, and Cedar Grove Drive up to and including residents on Sparrow Court.

“All residents in the affected area are to boil their water until they have the water tested to determine the absence of Total Coliform and E.coli,” said a statement posted to the town’s Facebook page late Thursday afternoon.

Affected residents should boil their water for at least one minute before consuming it. That includes water used for food preparation, juice and drink mix preparation, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth.

Public Health launched an investigation after some people in the town reported concerns with their private wells late last week.

In an earlier Facebook post, the town said some residents living along Pettingill Road have already had their water tested by the province.

“There was a blockage in our sanitary sewer system last week, however, there is absolutely no evidence at this time to suggest the two issues are connected,” said Aaron Kennedy, the town spokesperson, in an email Thursday afternoon.

Kennedy directed questions about the Public Health investigation to Dr. Kim Barker, the regional medical officer of health.

Bruce Macfarlane, a spokesperson for the Department of Health, said the town is investigating to determine the source of the problem.

“Meanwhile it would still appear that people flushing hand wipes is contributing to the situation,” said Macfarlane.

Residents who have been advised by Public Health not to consume their well water can access potable water at the Quispamsis Memorial Arena, said the town’s Facebook post.

The town said anyone in the area concerned about the quality of their private well water should contact Public Health at (506) 658-3022.