Municipal drinking water ban lifted in Arnprior

The Town of Arnprior has lifted its ban on using municipal drinking water.

A statement released Friday said the water system has been “thoroughly flushed with fresh water,” and that the Renfrew County and Health Unit has received confirmation that two required samples taken 24 hours apart have met microbiological water quality standards set by the province.

The water advisory, issued Wednesday, was “a precautionary measure due to a significant pressure loss” in the municipal system, the statement said.

Water can now be used for drinking, cooking and bathing.

Before using water, residents are urged to run cold water faucets and drinking fountains for at least five minutes; remove and rinse tap screens to remove any trapped sediment; run water softeners through a regeneration cycle; drain and refill hot water tanks; and drain and flush ice-making systems.

Hydrant-flushing activity means water may be rust-coloured when taps are first turned on, but the water is not hazardous to health.

For more information, contact the Renfrew County and District Health Unit at 1-800-267-1097, ext. 555.