The Village of North Portal is currently under a precautionary boil water advisory due to a large water line break Tuesday afternoon. 

"We had to depressurize our water treatment plant," explained Lindsay Davis, Administrator for the Village," and any time that happens you have to issue the advisory."

"With a precautionary drinking water advisory, it is advised that people boil all water that's going to be used for drinking purposes for at least one minute. If it's going to be used for things like brushing teeth, washing food, ice cubes. Also if you're going to be using it for washing dishes, it should also be boiled." 

"Under most circumstances, people can still shower with it but at this point, it's always best for people to follow the advisory." 

 The Water Security Agency has put out a notification to all residents impacted by the advisory:

(a) boil all water, used for drinking purposes, for at least one (1) minute, at a rolling boil, prior to use;
(b) boil water to be used for other activities where it may be ingested, including:
     (i) brushing teeth or soaking false teeth;
     (ii) washing fruits and vegetables;
     (iii) food or drink which will not be subsequently heated; and
     (iv) ice cubes;
(c) not use the water for washing dishes, unless the water has been boiled or the dishes are sanitized in another fashion. Washed dishes and utensils can be soaked in a bleach water solution (approximately 2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon or 10 ml of bleach per litre of water) for at least two minutes after being washed to kill any bacteria which may be present.
Note: Do not mix bleach with soaps or detergents.
(d) not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply;
(e) ensure that younger children and infants are sponge bathed;
(f) use an alternative water source known to be safe, if they do not wish to boil the water; and
(g) consult with your physician if you have cuts or rashes that are severe before using the water.

Davis added that the advisory will remain in effect until they receive three clear lab tests which can take around a week to ten days.

"We just really thank all the residents of North Portal for cooperating as we as we have to go through this pause in our water service."