Boil water advisories near Winnipeg: Learn what to do from Culligan
Under a boil water advisory in Winnipeg? Learn what it means, how to use water safely and what to do when the advisory is lifted.
When Winnipeg residents receive an official boil water advisory, tap water may not be safe to consume without treatment.
Boil water advisories are typically issued when a municipal, community or local water supply is at risk of—or confirmed to have—contamination from harmful microorganisms such as E. coli. Disruptions to the water treatment process may also lead to an advisory.
When an advisory is in effect, all tap water—including water that has passed through a home filtration system—must be properly treated before consumption.
Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for:
- Drinking
- Making ice
- Preparing beverages, infant formula or coffee
- Washing or preparing food
- Brushing your teeth
- Giving water to pets
In most cases, you don’t need to boil water for showering, bathing, washing dishes or doing laundry. However, you may need additional precautions when the risk to the water supply is particularly high, such as during a waterborne disease outbreak.
Commercial, public and permitted facilities should follow the Province of Manitoba’s specific boil water advisory recommendations.
Once the advisory has been officially lifted, you can return to using tap water without boiling it first or relying on bottled water. It’s also a good idea to follow any flushing instructions provided by local officials before returning to normal water use.
Staying informed and following the advisory guidelines can help keep your household safe until the water supply is cleared for regular use. If you’re unsure whether an advisory is still in effect, check with the City of Winnipeg or local public health authorities for the latest information.