Water in The Pas safe to drink if boiled first, province says

People in The Pas can now drink tap water if they boil it for at least one minute, the province announced Friday.

Earlier in the day, the province had warned people not to drink the water, even after boiling.

A water line by the Saskatchewan River was accidentally severed Thursday night, The Pas CAO Randi Salamonowicz said.

Thatforced the local treatment plant to tap into a well of "unknown water quality" to maintain water service, Manitoba government officials said in an advisory.

People should boil water if it isto be used to brushteeth, makeice or drinks (including instant baby formula) or prepare food, including rinsing off produce.

Bathing or showering should only be done by adults or kids able to avoid swallowing water, the advisory states, and younger children should be sponge bathed.

Water used for other household purposes, like washing clothes or dishes, does not need to be boiled.

The advisory applies to residents as well as all public and commercial facilities, including restaurants, daycares, care homes and other private businesses.

It isn't clear when the water treatment plant issue will be repaired, Salamonowicz said, although the town hopes to provide an update around noon on its website and social media.

"We're doing the best we can. We appreciate everyone's understanding," saidSalamonowicz, with crews working through the night trying to fix the water line.

More information on drinking water advisories is available on the provincial website.