Boil water order issued for Saint John neighbourhood

A faucet is seen in this undated photo. (File) (Sean Gallup/Photographer: Sean Gallup/Getty )

A boil water order has been issued for a neighbourhood in Saint John, N.B.

Those living and working in the Harbourview Subdivision are being told to boil their water for at least one minute before consuming. This includes:

- drinking

- brushing teeth

- making ice, juice, coffee or tea

- washing vegetables that will not be cooked

The City of Saint John said the order was issued due to an infrastructure failure. It said the presence of low chlorine means disinfection may not be effective, which could result in bacteria that could cause illness in humans.

“These organisms can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems,” the city said in a news release.

It is safe for people to shower, bathe or use swimming pools. It is also safe for people to wash dishes in hot, soapy water and then air dry or use a dishwasher.

The city said it is working with the health department. No timeline was provided as to when the order could be lifted.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.