A Do Not Use Water Advisory has been issued for St. Clair Township residents who draw water from the St. Clair River, following a crude oil spill in the river on Thursday.
Lambton Public Health has issued a Do Not Use Water Advisory for residents who rely on the St. Clair River for water, following a crude oil spill in the river on Thursday afternoon.
According to the advisory, “Until further notice, DO NOT USE water from the river under any circumstances and avoid skin contact.”
The advisory was issued Thursday in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and St. Clair Township. Officials say the spill has concluded, but the oil has spread from its original source with potential impacts south of the Suncor Sarnia Refinery.
The advisory applies to all water drawn directly from the river for personal or household use. It does not apply to municipal water systems.
“Municipal water supplies remain safe to drink and bathe in,” the advisory stated.
Residents who use river water are being instructed to use municipal water for all needs, including:
Bathing
Drinking
Brushing teeth, gargling, or spraying
Hand washing
Food preparation and washing produce
Household cleaning and laundry
Making ice, juices, or mixes
Preparing baby formula or infant food
Washing dishes and cleaning countertops
“There have been no known reports of illness associated with this incident,” the advisory stated. “Should you or someone in your family become ill, please seek medical advice.”
Lambton Public Health says it will continue to monitor the situation and notify the public once the advisory has been lifted.
For questions related to the incident, residents can contact the Ministry’s Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060. For health-related inquiries, Lambton Public Health can be reached at 519-383-8331 or online at www.lambtonpublichealth.ca.
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