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Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit cautions well owners during flood season

April 24, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

With recent warnings of flooding in the region, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding citizens to take precautions to keep food and drinking water safe.

This is especially important for residents who get their drinking water from a well.

Private wells are at a higher risk of contamination during floods, and any well can become unsafe. A prolonged power outage can cause your well pump and any treatment devices to stop working.

If flood water reaches or covers your well head, you should assume the water is not safe to drink.

Follow all drinking water advisories and use only safe water sources until your well has been properly tested and confirmed safe.

If you experience a power outage, flush the lines by running water for five minutes, and check the treatment devices once power is restored to ensure everything is running properly.

You should then test your water. Private well owners can test their water free of charge. Sample bottles can be picked up and dropped off at many health offices.

Drink commercially bottled water until the safety of your drinking water is confirmed through testing.

If bottled water is unavailable, boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.

Use only safe drinking water for making drinks or infant formula, cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth and washing hands, and washing dishes.

Municipal drinking water is safe, treated, and continuously monitored, even during power outages or flooding. You will be notified immediately if there is a concern about water quality.

When it comes to food safety, floodwater can carry silt, sewage, oil, and chemicals, making food and water unsafe.

Any food that comes into contact with contaminated flood water should be thrown out. Even packages that look dry may be unsafe if they come in contact with contaminated water.

A power outage can also cause refrigerated and frozen foods to spoil. All food should be checked carefully before using it.

Perishable foods such as meat, poultry, dairy, fish, and eggs must be thrown out if stored above 4°C for more than two hours.

A full chest freezer will keep food frozen for up to 48 hours without power. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours.

Any food that has thawed should be thrown out.

If you are in doubt about a food item, err on the side of caution and throw it out. 

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