E. Coli Discovered In Winnipeg Water Supply; Residents Told To Boil Before Drinking

Residents of Winnipeg, Canada have been advised to continue to boil their water before drinking it or using it in food preparation after samples of E. Coli were found in the city's water supply, reports the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The advisory was originally issued Tuesday evening, January 27, after 6 out of 39 samples tested positive for E. Coli.

As of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, follow-up samples tested negative for harmful bacteria, including E. Coli, but the advisory remains in place in an abundance of caution. The city is waiting for the go-ahead from Manitoba's chief medical officer before the advisory is officially lifted.

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman announced that as a result of the abnormal samples, the city's entire water system will be reviewed.

"We're going to assess all of the processes, not just how water is dealt with but also emergency preparedness here at city hall and with the administration, as well as communication with various stakeholders including the province," said Bowman.

"Contingency plans are being made in the event that we get different outcomes, because Winnipeggers, this is one of our core services providing safe and clean drinking water and so it's being treated with the priority that it demands."