A pipeline failure has left people living in a Bell Park area neighbourhood without drinking water and even when the water is flowing again the city warns people not to drink it.

A drinking water advisory has been issued for Greater Sudbury residents who live on Lancaster Drive, Windsor Crescent, Tudor Court, Gloucester Court and York Street between Hillsdale Crescent and Gloucester Court.

The Sudbury and District Health Unit issued the advisory on Thursday.

The City of Greater Sudbury is working to re-establish the water supply and residents are warned not to drink the water until advised otherwise by the health unit.

“It is possible that the loss of water pressure created conditions that compromised the safety of the drinking water,” said Burgess Hawkins, environmental health division manager.

“Until bacteriological testing of the drinking water indicates a safe supply, the drinking water advisory will remain in effect as a precaution.”

The health unit said the advisory means people who take their water from the municipal system should not use it for drinking; making juice, infant formula, or ice; cooking; washing uncooked fruits and vegetables; or brushing teeth.

"Boiling the water may not make it safe for drinking. For these purposes, water from an alternate source, such as bottled water, should be used. The water can be used for laundry and bathing (excluding small children who could swallow the water),” reads a statement from the health unit.

The City of Greater Sudbury said people can bring and fill their own containers at the nearest water filling stations located on Bancroft Drive in Sudbury near Moonlight beach Road, Spruce Street in Garson, and Countryside Drive in Sudbury near the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex.