Chief Health Officer Dr. Lamont Sweet today confirmed that the Western Memorial Hospital in Alberton has been placed on a boil water advisory as of this morning.

"Testing of the drinking water today indicates a total coliforms count of four with no E coli present," said Dr. Sweet. "While a count of four is low, the presence of any total coliforms means that bacteria which should not be in the water has been found. As a result, it will be necessary to flush and disinfect the system.  In the meantime, the boil water advisory is in effect as a precaution."

With no E coli present in the water, Dr. Sweet advises that there is no reason to suspect that anyone has become ill from drinking the water.
The advisory will be lifted when two consecutive clear samples are obtained.