Part of Souris is under a boil water advisory as a precaution following a water main break on Thursday that could compromise the safety of the water supply.

The main break has reduced water pressure in the southwest portion of the Souris distribution system, west of Plum Creek, according to a letter from Manitoba Environment and Climate addressed to Municipality of Souris-Glenwood CAO Charlotte Parham that was obtained by the Sun.

“Distribution depressurization can compromise the safety of the water supply; therefore, a boil water advisory has been issued to the affected area to ensure public health protection.”

Parham and Souris Mayor Duane Davison didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.

The letter from Manitoba Environment and Climate requests the municipality immediately inform all water users affected by the advisory, “reaching as many individuals and organizations in the fastest and most feasible way possible, by distributing the attached notice.”

Emphasis was to be placed on hospitals, personal care homes, daycares and schools. The notice was to also be posted on the municipality website and updated accordingly, the letter stated.

Notice of the boil water advisory didn’t appear on the front page of the website as of Thursday afternoon, and residents may be forgiven for being confused, given prior notices on the site indicating there was an earlier main break that needed repairs to be followed by a boil water advisory, and then the notice that the main didn’t need repairs after all.

However, it has been confirmed that the March 23 boil water advisory is in fact in place for the affected portion of Souris.

Water used for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute, including water used for drinking, food preparation, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth and making infant formula.

Residents can also use sources of water known to be safe, such as bottled water. And water from the municipal system can still be used for general purposes such as washing hands, bathing and showering (if not swallowed), dish washing and laundry. Such precautionary advisories are common in response to water main breaks.

A large portion of Brandon was placed under an advisory in August after a main near the water treatment plant burst. The advisory was lifted after a series of tests showed the water met regulatory standards.

» ihitchen@brandonsun.com