Boil-water advisory hits millions in Vancouver

Globe and Mail PETTI FONG
Residents warned not to use tap water for drinking, brushing teeth and rinsing food after rain triggers mudslides across region
VANCOUVER — Two million residents of Greater Vancouver have been advised to boil their cloudy water after heavy rainfall created mudslides in the region's reservoirs, the widest water warning in Canadian history. Health officials said tap water is unsafe for drinking, brushing teeth or washing fruits and vegetables after the mudslides increased the risk of bacteria and viruses infecting the water supply. The risks can't be minimized by disinfectants such as chlorine — hospitals, seniors homes and schools have been told to use only bottled or boiled water. “This is a precautionary measure,” said Dr. Patricia Daly of Vancouver Coastal Health. “We are telling people don't drink tap water. Either boil it or drink bottle water.”