Water restored in Little Current, but still not safe to drink

**Update - water advisory lifted, water is once again safe to drink

Water service has been restored in Little Current on Manitoulin Island, but it's still not safe to drink, officials said Thursday afternoon.

"The water being provided cannot be considered potable and is not considered safe to drink," officials said in a news release.

"As a result, the users of the system will be under a drinking water advisory for the next several days. During this time, samples of the water from the distribution system will be analyzed to assess the quality of the water in the system and ensure that it is safe to drink."

Residents will be alerted once they can safely drink the water, the release said.

Until then, a bottled water distribution center has been established at the Little Current Public Works Shop at 27 Gammie St., next to the NEMI Recreation Center.

It will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and it's where residents will be provided with bottled water until the drinking water advisory ends.

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"Potable water is available at the Sheguindah water treatment plant through an outside service where residents can fill their own water jugs and other containers for their personal use," the release said.

While not safe to drink, the water can be used for non-consumptive purposes such as the operation of toilets and washing clothes.

Problems with the water supply began at 8 a.m. Thursday due to a mechanical failure at the Little Current Water Plant. The Ontario Clean Water Agency arrived at the plant to make the necessary repairs.