Repairs to a major sewer main break have led to a precautionary boil water advisory for a portion of Altona. 

Homes along 4th St. SW as well as those on Westwood Crescent, Westwood Drive and Sunflower Crescent are affected. Redwood Bay was originally included in the order, however it has since been removed and is not affected.

Public Works Manager Clint Derksen says repairs to the initial sewer man issue that caused problems Sunday night into Monday have been completed.

However, he explains due to the extent of the excavation and as a safety precaution, the decision was made to shut down a section of the water main that ran in close proximity to the to open work site. It was during this isolation process that two bolts on the isolation valves broke and required replacing.

Derksen says that repair work is now underway and the reason why some area homes continue to experience low water pressure. Once crews are finished with this task later today, the main water line will be flushed and he says after that process is complete residents should see full pressure restored. 

According to Derksen, anytime water pressure dips below 20 PSI the province requires a precautionary boil water advisory. As a result, the order will remain in effect until the water supplied by the system is proven to not present a risk to public health. 

According to the Office of Drinking Water, all water used for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before it is used for:

- Drinking and ice-making

- Preparing beverages, such as infant formula

- Preparing food, including washing fruits and vegetables

- Brushing teeth

It is not necessary to boil tap water used for other household purposes, such as laundry or washing dishes. Adults and older children that are able to avoid swallowing the water can wash, bathe, or shower. Young children should be sponge bathed.

If boiling is not practical, an alternate and safe supply of water should be used for consumptive purposes; i.e. bottled water.

To avoid burn injuries from hot water, caution should be taken. Please keep young children away from boiling water, and place kettles and pots away from counter and stove edges.

Click here to learn more about boil water advisories, and fact sheets on water use

Meantime, Derksen thanks affected property owners for their continued patience during this time.

In addition, he is grateful to L.E.T. Construction for making crews available with the right equipment in this situation and in many other instances where their help is needed.

And last but not least, Derksen thanks the town public utilities team for handling this scenario "without a hiccup", noting this was a serious situation that could have led to hundreds of sewage-filled basements in the SW and NW parts of town had it not been handled properly.