Friday, May 08, 2026
Boil water advisory remains in effect
Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) advises that the boil water advisory issued on May 6 remains in effect for all residents of Sudbury, New Sudbury, and Falconbridge, as well as both sides of O’Neil Drive West and the area between Maley Drive and O’Neil Drive West. A list of affected areas is included below.
The advisory was issued as a precaution after routine water testing detected coliform bacteria in recent samples, from two different water treatment plants. While most coliform bacteria are not harmful themselves, their presence in drinking water can indicate that the water system may be vulnerable to contamination.
At this time, there is no known mechanical or infrastructure problem in the municipal water distribution system that is related to this boil water advisory. Public Health continues to work closely with the City of Greater Sudbury to better understand the test results and identify possible causes.
“We understand the inconvenience this situation poses for residents and families,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “We encourage everyone to continue following Public Health guidance to help protect their health and safety.”
Public Health works closely with municipal water operators, licensed laboratories, and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to help monitor drinking water safety and protect public health. Municipal water operators are responsible for operating the drinking water system and collecting routine water samples using a layered approach, while licensed laboratories conduct the testing. Public Health reviews the results and works with partners to help ensure appropriate action is taken when adverse results are identified.
Water samples in Greater Sudbury are collected and tested weekly at several points throughout the system, including before the water enters a treatment plant, after it has been treated, and at locations throughout the distribution system.
Recent adverse water samples—3 connected to the David Street Water Treatment Plant and 1 connected to the Falconbridge Water Treatment Plant—were identified through this routine testing process and prompted the boil water advisory as a precautionary measure.
What residents need to know
A boil water advisory means the water must be boiled for consumption or certain household uses. Residents should bring water to a full rolling boil for at least 1 minute before using it. Water kettles may not keep water boiling long enough to make it safe. Filters do not make water safe during a boil water advisory.
Until further notice, residents should:
- Use boiled water for food preparation, including making infant formula.
- Use boiled water to wash fruits and vegetables.
- Use boiled water for ice.
- Use boiled water when brushing teeth.
- Use boiled water or hand sanitizer for handwashing.
o If hands are visibly soiled, start by washing with tap water and soap, then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
The City of Greater Sudbury provides information to residents about access to safe water. The City’s residential water filling station on Bay St. in Whitefish remains available for use and this water does not need to be boiled.
List of affected areas
The boil water advisory remains in effect for residents in Sudbury, New Sudbury, and Falconbridge, as well as both sides of O’Neil Drive West and the area between Maley Drive and O’Neil Drive West. The following other areas are not affected: Azilda, Chelmsford, Coniston, Copper Cliff, Dowling, Onaping, Skead, Val Caron and area (including Hanmer, Capreol), Wahnapitae, Walden.
Public health inspectors are proactively going to affected food premises, such as restaurants, to provide owners and operators with guidance, answer questions, and ensure safe food handling practices are being followed. Public Health will notify the municipality when the advisory is lifted.
Residents are encouraged to visit phsd.ca and follow Public Health Sudbury & Districts on social media for the latest updates and guidance.
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