Message from the Mayor: Boil Water Advisory Update #1

Tillsonburg, ON – A significant portion of the Town of Tillsonburg remains under a boil water advisory this morning following routine water testing on October 9.

The boil water advisory area includes homes and businesses in Tillsonburg’s central core. The affected area is located between Broadway and Tillson Avenue, from North Street E. to Oxford Street.

Oxford County regularly conducts municipal water testing to ensure safe drinking water. Yesterday afternoon, the County was notified that a sample taken from the Tillsonburg Community Centre contained Total Coliform and E. coli (1 TC and 1 E. coli / 100 mL). The results were immediately reported to Southwestern Public Health and the provincial Spills Action Center. Southwestern Public Health has issued a boil water advisory as a precautionary measure.

The County of Oxford is responsible for Tillsonburg’s water system and is working with Town of Tillsonburg maintenance staff to restore water quality in the area.

At this time, the chlorination system has been found fully operational and chlorine levels are adequate. All other water samples taken from other Town of Tillsonburg locations yesterday were clear.

Oxford County and Town staff are continuing to conduct maintenance on the water distribution system in response to this incident, in accordance with industry protocol (e.g., flushing). We are awaiting results from follow-up lab testing and will share this information with the public as soon as it becomes available.

Typically, a boil water advisory remains in effect for 48 hours. The sampling and testing process requires a 24 hour incubation period, and the advisories are not lifted until two consecutive water samples are found to be clear.

I want to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we all work together to resolve this issue. Additional information will be shared throughout the day as it becomes available. Visit www.tillsonburg.ca/news for the latest updates.