Drinking Water Issue at Addictions Facility Being Addressed

Action is being taken to identify and address the source of bacteria found recently in the drinking water at the new Provincial Addictions Centre.

Chief Health Officer Dr. Lamont Sweet advised today that elevated bacteria counts have been found in the water at the facility. Water samples continue to be tested and the area around the well is being examined to determine the source of the bacteria.

Dr. Sweet advised that the facility has been using bottled water since the test results were obtained Wednesday.

Several staff and residents have become ill over the past ten days. Specimens were taken from them and are now being tested to determine the cause of the illness. There is an intestinal flu or viral stomach flu now in the community.

Dr. Sweet advised that water is not a risk to staff or residents at present, as bottled water is now being used.