Drug alert: Potent fentanyl analogs detected locally
Potent fentanyl analogs including fluoro-fentanyl and methylfentanyl-related drugs are confirmed to be circulating in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts area.
Key details
- Fluoro-fentanyl is known to be up to 2 times stronger than fentanyl
- Methylfentanyl-related drugs are known to be up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl
The use of these substances significantly increases the risk of poisoning. Multiple doses of naloxone may be needed to help reverse a poisoning. Street drugs may be cut or mixed with other substances such as fentanyl or carfentanil, benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, and medetomidine. Even a very small amount of these substances can cause a poisoning.
A drug poisoning occurs when a person uses more of a substance, or a combination of substances than their body can handle. This can impair the brain’s ability to control basic life functions. As a result, the person may pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be either fatal or non-fatal.
Prevent poisonings to save lives:
- Carry a naloxone kit. Know how to use it (PDF).
- Call 911 if you suspect a poisoning.
- Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over-the-counter, and illegal drugs.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
- Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
- If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
- Avoid using drugs when you are alone. Have a trusted person with you who can provide support as needed.
- If you must use alone, consider the following options:
- Connect with the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 (NORS line). NORS is a virtual safe consumption line available 24/7 that provides confidential and non-judgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
- Access the Brave App. The Brave App is a virtual safe consumption app available 24/7 that will anonymously and privately connect to a Brave Supporter before you use drugs alone.
Opioid poisoning symptoms include:
- fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
- skin turns bluish purple, grayish, or ashen, depending on skin tone
- dizziness and confusion
- the person can’t be woken up
- choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- slow, weak, or no breathing
- drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
How to respond to a poisoning:
- GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse an opioid poisoning and will do no harm if the poisoning is not opioid related. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation. Additional doses may be needed.
- Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring their breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
- If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.
Where to get naloxone?
For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. You can also visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.
Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.
This item was last modified on December 9, 2024
Attention parents and guardians: check, vaccinate, and update your child’s immunization record
Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) is reminding all parents and guardians to check, vaccinate, and update their child’s immunization record without delay to ensure they meet Ontario’s school vaccination requirements.
“Over 6200 students in elementary and secondary schools across the service area currently have overdue vaccines according to the provincial immunization database. Their parents will soon receive a letter urging families to take action: check immunization records, vaccinate if necessary, and update their information with Public Health. Students who are not up to date with their vaccinations are strongly encouraged to receive the required immunizations promptly,” said Sara Noble, a manager with the Vaccine Preventable Disease Team.
How to check and update your child’s immunization record
CHECK: Review your child’s immunization record for any missing vaccines by visiting the Immunization Connection Ontario (ICON) website: sdhu.icon.ehealthontario.ca.
VACCINATE: If vaccines are missing, make an appointment with your health care provider. Public Health will also offer dedicated appointments for students who received a notice. Please contact us to book an appointment.
UPDATE: Parents and guardians must report their child’s immunizations to Public Health. Choose one of the following methods to update:
- Online: Upload records to ICON at icon.ehealthontario.ca
- In person: Drop off a copy at a Public Health office
- By mail: Send records to Public Health *Note: please consider using courier services if mailing during the current Canada Post service disruption
- Email: Send a copy to ISPA@phsd.ca (Public Health) *Note: Email is not fully secure and may risk data privacy
Starting January 2025, Public Health will begin its annual review of immunization records for students in elementary and secondary schools. Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) R.S.O.1990, all students under the age of 18 must have an up-to-date immunization record or a valid immunization exemption to attend school in Ontario.
Under the ISPA, the Medical Officer of Health will issue suspension orders to students who do not meet immunization requirements. These students may remain suspended and not be allowed to attend school until their records are up to date. Additionally, students with incomplete records may also be unable to attend school during disease outbreaks to protect public health.
Families with incomplete records should act now to avoid suspensions or interruptions to schooling.
For more information about immunization requirements, reporting, or exemptions, visit our website or call 705.522.9200, ext. 458 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
This item was last modified on December 4, 2024
Board of Health approves 2025 budget with a focus on core mandate
At its November meeting, the Board of Health approved the cost-shared operating budget for Public Health Sudbury & Districts in the amount of $31,036,499, which includes a funding increase to address rising operational costs and needs in the community, makes investments in the agency for long-term efficiency and improvement, and ensures sustainability of services. This budget increase is, however, outpaced by public health funding, inflation, and growing local needs and health challenges which necessitates focused spending on core responsibilities under the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS).
“Public Health Sudbury & Districts, like other public health agencies across the province, must carefully assess how best to use its limited resources. The budget represents a difficult but thoughtful balance between sustaining critical public health services and managing costs during challenging economic times,” said René Lapierre, Chair, Board of Health.
Public Health will responsibly reduce or discontinue certain programs that fall outside its mandate and are the responsibility of other agencies, or where the impact on community health is relatively small, to ensure resources are concentrated where they can achieve the greatest impact on community health.
“As we face tighter budget realities, my top priority remains protecting and promoting the health and health equity of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “While Public Health has historically offered services beyond its core mandate, this is no longer sustainable. We are committed to making the best use of our resources by carefully focusing on services that will have the greatest positive impact on the public’s health,” said Dr. Hirji.
The changes to programs and services are based on careful consideration of the needs of the community, risk assessments, and the organization’s Strategic Priorities. Public Health is notifying affected clients and partners of the changes and will offer support where possible.
Summary of changes to Public Health services by category
In addition to the summary below, see more detailed information about service changes.
- Clinical services and immunizations: discontinuation of the Growing Family Health Clinic, tuberculosis skin testing for non-public health purposes, and fee-for-service vaccinations (such as travel vaccines). Public Health will continue to offer publicly funded vaccines as per the Ontario immunization schedules and school-based immunizations for Grade 7 students.
- Food safety: Public Health will no longer offer in-person food handler training nor re-communicate food safety recalls by the provincial government or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (unless those agencies request Public Health’s assistance). Individuals can subscribe to recall alerts directly from the Government of Canada.
- Inspections and investigations: Public Health will adjust the frequency of some routine inspections with enhanced risk assessments. Public Health will no longer conduct beach water testing or health hazard investigations that are not part of the public health mandate, for example, multi-unit dwelling complaints related to lack of heat. Blue-green algae response will be reduced as the province continues to be primarily responsible for this response.
- School health: vision screening for senior kindergarten students and classroom education by public health inspectors will be discontinued.
- Surveillance initiatives: vector-borne disease surveillance, such as mosquito trapping and tick collection, will be stopped. However, Public Health will continue to monitor disease prevalence and provide community education and disease updates.
- Other services: Public Health will update fee schedules for septic system applications to ensure they remain cost neutral.
Additional information about the 2025 budget for Public Health Sudbury & Districts budget is included in the November Board of Health package and the related briefing note (PDF, page 15). For more information about Public Health Sudbury & Districts, please visit phsd.ca or call 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
Changes to Public Health Sudbury & Districts services
2025 Budget
Following approval of its 2025 budget, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is aligning its programs and services with its core mandate under the Ontario Public Health Standards. Public Health will focus its resources on areas that offer the greatest potential for healthy community outcomes, which includes health promotion and health protection efforts.
As part of this work, Public Health will responsibly reduce or discontinue certain programs and services that fall outside its mandate and are the responsibility of other agencies, or where the benefit on community health is relatively small, to ensure resources are focused where they can achieve the greatest impacts. Public Health has notified partners of the changes and will support them where possible.
The following is a summary of changes to Public Health services.
Clinical services and immunizations
Public Health will no longer offer
- The Growing Family Health Clinic. Clients can seek services through walk-in clinics and should contact Health Care Connect (ontario.ca). Public Health is finalizing transition plans and will be notifying clients about the closure and next steps.
- Tuberculosis skin testing for non-public health purposes. Anyone needing such tests for employment or volunteer purposes can visit their primary care provider or a walk-in clinic.
- Fee-for-service vaccinations, including some vaccines recommended for travel, vaccines sought for employment purposes, and other vaccines that are outside the publicly funded eligibility criteria. Public Health will continue to offer publicly funded vaccines that are part of the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules for Ontario (PDF, ontario.ca). Public Health will continue to offer publicly funded school-based immunizations for Grade 7 students through in-school clinics.
Food safety
Public Health will no longer offer
- In-person food handler training. Training is available through other providers online.
- Recommunication of food safety recalls, unless explicitly requested by the provincial government or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Individuals can subscribe to receive recall alerts directly from the Government of Canada.
Inspections and investigations
Public Health will enhance risk-targeting for routine inspections. This means that the agency will adjust inspection frequencies to focus resources on settings that pose higher potential risks to public health. This enhanced targeted approach will allow the agency to prioritize activities with the biggest impact and benefits on health outcomes while maintaining safety standards.
Modify the frequency of inspection for
- Low-risk personal service settings
- Low- and moderate-risk food premises
* There will be no change to the schedule for routine inspection of higher risk settings
Discontinue the following routine inspections
- Beach inspections, water sampling, and beach postings
- Splash pads (Class C recreational water facilities)
- Ice arenas (for example, carbon monoxide testing)
Discontinue the following services or services outside our mandate
- Blue-green algae response (communications would still occur)
- Health hazard investigations that are not part of the public health mandate, for example, housing complaints related to lack of heat, bedbugs, and rodents or pests.
School health
Public Health will no longer offer
- Vision screening for senior kindergarten students. The Ontario Government has proposed eliminating this legislative requirement.
- Classroom education by public health inspectors (for example, topics such as handwashing)
Surveillance initiatives
Public Health will discontinue the following activities
- Vector-borne disease surveillance activities, for example, mosquito trapping for West Nile virus detection and tick collection for Lyme disease detection. These diseases in humans remain reportable to Public Health as Disease of Public Health Significance, and Public Health will continue to monitor disease prevalence and provide community education and disease updates.
Other services
- Public Health will update fees for septic system applications to ensure they remain cost neutral. Fee schedules will be updated and information will be provided to applicants.
This item was last modified on November 29, 2024
Drinking water advisory lifted for Morris Street east of Van Horne and all streets leading off Morris in Greater Sudbury
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has officially lifted the drinking water advisory that came into effect Tuesday, November 19, 2024, for residents of Morris Street east of Van Horne, Silverman Street, Janet Street, St. Antoine Street, Jeanne D’Arc Avenue, Marshall Lane, Cartier Avenue off Janet Street, and 565, 566, and 570 Van Horne Avenue in Greater Sudbury.
Public Health issued the drinking water advisory because of a temporary loss of pressure in the municipal water system.
“The bacteriological quality of the water supply has been tested with no adverse results being reported,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “Residents in the affected areas may notice chlorine odours and discoloured water.”
What to do after a drinking water advisory is lifted and before using the water:
- Run cold water faucets for 5 minutes or until the water runs clear.
- Run drinking fountains for 5 minutes before using the water or until the water runs clear.
- Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
- Drain and refill hot water heaters.
- Large-volume users (for example, schools) may need to run cold water taps longer on first use.
- To get rid of sediment, faucet screens should be removed, rinsed and put back in place.
For more information, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.
This item was last modified on November 21, 2024
Associate Medical Officer of Health appointed by Board of Health
The Board of Health has appointed Dr. Emily Groot as Associate Medical Officer of Health (AMOH) for Public Health Sudbury & Districts, starting January 6, 2025. Dr. Groot will work as Acting Associate Medical Officer of Health until her appointment is approved by the Minister of Health.
“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Groot to our team as Associate Medical Officer of Health on a part-time basis to contribute to strategic leadership and evidence-informed decision making. This recruitment will significantly strengthen Public Health’s local capacity and responsiveness,” said René Lapierre, Chair, Board of Health.
“Dr. Groot is an accomplished public health physician, and I am excited to work with her to maximize the public health services that protect and promote health in our service area,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer for Sudbury and districts. “The breadth of Dr. Groot’s professional experience and community service will benefit our agency and bolster our focus of creating healthier communities for all,” said Dr. Hirji.
Having successfully recruited a highly experienced part-time AMOH, recruitment efforts will continue for an additional part-time AMOH to achieve the equivalent of the recommended capacity of one full-time AMOH for local health agencies, which would ensure the agency has critical surge capacity.
Dr. Groot grew up in Northeastern Ontario and is passionate about improving the health of Northern Ontarians. She previously served as Associate Medical Officer of Health for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit as well as for Niagara Region Public Health. She has also worked as Regional Supervising Coroner for Northeastern Ontario and most recently as Medical Director of Sudbury’s supervised consumption site. Dr. Groot will maintain her part-time roles as Program Director with the Public Health and Preventive Medicine Residency Program at NOSM University, as well as Medical Director of Réseau ACCESS Network’s Treatment and Prevention clinic.
Dr. Groot completed her medical education at McMaster University followed by speciality training in public health and preventive medicine at Queen’s University. She also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Toronto.
For more information about Public Health Sudbury & Districts, please visit phsd.ca or call 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
This item was last modified on November 21, 2024
Canada Post service disruption
Due to the Canada Post work service disruption, we are not currently receiving items by mail. Items can be emailed or faxed to the contacts listed in the below table or dropped off at any of the Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ locations. All applications can be printed from our website or picked up at your nearest office location.
If you have recently sent something by mail or are awaiting something from Public Health that was sent by mail, please call us at 705.522.9200 to discuss further.
| Item | Email Address | Fax Number | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payments | Payments can be received via EFT. Email purchasing@phsd.ca for instructions. Please note, we cannot accept interac e-transfers. | Not available | 705.522.9200, ext. 488 |
| Invoices | accountspayable@phsd.ca | 705.522.5182 | 705.522.9200, ext. 488 |
| Resumes/Recruitment Document | recruitment@phsd.ca | 705.522.5182 | 705.522.9200, ext. 570 |
| Freedom of Information Requests | hr@phsd.ca | 705.522.5182 | 705.522.9200, ext 0 |
| Sewage System Applications | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9607 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Consent Applications | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9608 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Renovation Applications | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9609 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| File Searches | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9610 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Copy of Record | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9611 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Small Drinking Water Systems Directives | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9612 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Zoning/Minor Variance | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9613 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Revisions to Permit | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9614 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Severance - Consent Applications | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9615 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Transfer of Permit to New Owner | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9616 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Other Government Agency | health_protection@phsd.ca | 705.677.9617 | 705.522.9200, ext. 464 |
| Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) Applications | dentalhealth@phsd.ca | 705.677.9617 | 705.522.9200, ext. 236 |
| Northern Travel Grant Applications | seniorsdentalhealth@phsd.ca | 705.677.9617 | 705.522.9200, ext. 3027 |
| Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) Applications | seniorsdentalhealth@phsd.ca | 705.677.9617 | 705.522.9200, ext. 3027 |
| School and Daycare Registration Forms | recordsline@phsd.ca | 705.677.9616 | 705.522.9200, ext. 252 |
This item was last modified on November 20, 2024
Drinking water advisory issued for Morris Street east of Van Horne and all streets leading off Morris in Greater Sudbury
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued a drinking water advisory effective immediately for all residents of Morris Street east of Van Horne, Silverman Street, Janet Street, St. Antoine Street, Jeanne D’Arc Avenue, Marshall Lane, Cartier Avenue off Janet Street, and 565, 566, and 570 Van Horne Avenue in Greater Sudbury.
A drinking water advisory means that people who take their water from the municipal system should NOT use it for drinking; making juice, infant formula, or ice; cooking; washing uncooked fruit 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).
Although the City of Greater Sudbury has re-established the water supply, which was interrupted due to a watermain break, residents should not use the water for human consumption until advised otherwise by Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
“It is possible that the loss of water pressure created conditions that compromised the safety of the drinking water,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “Until bacteriological testing of the drinking water indicates a safe supply, the drinking water advisory will remain in effect as a precaution.”
Public Health staff will continue to monitor the situation. Public Health Sudbury & Districts will notify the municipality when the drinking water advisory is lifted and residents will be advised.
For more information, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.
This item was last modified on November 19, 2024
Get vaccinated and stay protected this fall/winter season
Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) is pleased to announce that COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines are now available in our service area. This vaccination campaign aims to reduce the risk of serious illness from COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this season.
Beginning early October, the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines will be prioritized for high-risk groups (Ministry of Health). On October 28, they will be available to everyone. People are encouraged to book their COVID-19 and flu vaccines appointments through pharmacies and health care providers as soon as they are eligible. It is safe to get both vaccines at the same time.
“Lung infections are one of the top 5 causes of death in our community,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “As we spend more time indoors due to colder weather, and gather with family and friends over several holidays, the viruses that cause cold, flu, and COVID-19 spread easily through the air causing illness. Getting our fall vaccines every year is the most important step we can take to protect family, friends, and loved ones who are at greater risk.”
COVID-19 vaccine
Beginning early October, an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will be available for high-risk groups. This includes residents and staff of long-term care homes and congregate living settings, adults 65 years and older, pregnant individuals, members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, those with underlying medical conditions, and health care workers.
The COVID-19 vaccine will be available for everyone 6 months and older beginning on October 28. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website to see if you are eligible for a COVID-19 dose this fall.
Seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine
High-risk populations (Health Canada) will be prioritized beginning in early October. This includes children 6 months to 4 years old, residents and staff of long-term care and retirement home, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant individuals, members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, adults and children with chronic health conditions, and health care workers.
Beginning October 28, the vaccine will be available for everyone 6 months and older.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
The Ministry of Health has announced that the RSV program for high-risk older adults will continue this year. Certain adults aged 60 years and over who are at high-risk may be eligible for the vaccine. If you don’t qualify for the publicly funded program, you can purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy. If you received this vaccine last year, you don’t need to get it again.
Starting the 2024-25 season, Ontario has expanded the infant RSV prevention program. Immunization for infants is available, and a vaccine for pregnant individuals is also being offered, based on recommendations from a health care provider.
For more information and to check eligibility for both the high-risk older adult and the infant and high-risk children RSV prevention programs, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website or speak to your primary care provider.
Booking your appointments
COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are available at many locations throughout the community. You can visit your health care provider, walk-in clinics, and local pharmacies. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website to find participating pharmacies in your area.
This year, Public Health will focus COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics only to the following groups who have less access through other providers:
- Children aged 6 months to 11 years old, and their caregivers.
- Those aged 6 months and over without a health card.
Please contact your health care provider for more information about RSV immunizations for older adults, infants, and pregnant individuals.
Protecting yourself
The below precautions are always encouraged to protect yourself and others from infection:
- Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations. Receive your COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as you are eligible.
- Wear a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor public settings.
- Improve the ventilation in indoor spaces by keeping windows open, when possible, and having heating, ventilation, and air conditional (HVAC) systems to “on” rather than “auto.”
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and discard used tissues immediately in the garbage, and then wash your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 15 seconds.
- Check the Respiratory Illness Surveillance Dashboard for weekly updates on case, outbreak, and hospital activity related to influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.
For more information about vaccines and keeping yourself safe this respiratory season, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
This item was last modified on October 4, 2024
Blue-green algal bloom reported in the French River
A visible bloom of blue-green algae has been observed in the French River. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has advised Public Health Sudbury & Districts that after testing samples taken Monday, September 16, 2024, from that bloom, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) has been confirmed. The samples contained a species of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins.
Blue-green algal blooms could also appear in other parts of the river. Because blooms are not anchored, they can move from one location to another through wind and water currents. New blooms can also form. All residents on lakes and rivers should look for blooms in their area.
Blue-green algal blooms have an unsightly pea soup appearance and foul smell, and can produce toxins. Residents should avoid using or drinking water from areas where blooms are visible.
Toxins from blue-green algae do not remain located with the algae bloom, and can spread throughout the water body. However, the highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and scum on the shoreline. These dense accumulations pose the greatest potential risks to people and pets. The algae toxins can irritate a person’s skin and, if ingested, cause diarrhea and vomiting. If a person ingests high levels of toxin, they could suffer liver and nervous system damage.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises people using lakes and rivers to be on the lookout for algal blooms. If you see or hear of a bloom anywhere near your property or water intake line:
- Avoid using the water for drinking, bathing, or showering, and do not allow children, pets, or livestock to drink or swim in the bloom.
- Be aware that shallow drinking water intake pipes can pump in blue-green algae.
- Do not boil the water or treat it with a disinfectant, like bleach. This action breaks open the algae cells, which releases more toxins into the water.
- Do not rely on water jug filtration systems as they may not protect against the toxins.
- Avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.
- Follow the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Guide to Eating Ontario Fish. Exercise caution with respect to eating fish caught in water where blue-green algal blooms occur. Residents should not eat the liver, kidneys, and other organs of fish.
On lakes and rivers where blue-green algal blooms are confirmed, people who use the surface water for their private drinking water are recommended to consider an alternate, protected source of water until the blue-green algae has dissipated.
For more information on blue-green algae, including a list and map of water bodies with confirmed blooms, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
This item was last modified on September 23, 2024
Water fluoridation has resumed in Espanola
The optimization of fluoride levels in Espanola’s municipal water supply has resumed. Water fluoridation was temporarily paused at the Espanola Water Treatment Plant in May due to an equipment malfunction with the fluoride analyzer. Optimizing the levels of fluoride in drinking water systems is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. Repairs to the system have been completed and fluoride concentrations have returned to optimal levels in Espanola.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers oral health programs and services to eligible children and seniors. For more information about these services, please call 705.522.9200, ext. 236 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
This item was last modified on September 19, 2024
Drinking water advisory lifted for Little Current
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has officially lifted the drinking water advisory that came into effect Thursday, September 5, 2024, for residents of Little Current.
Public Health issued the drinking water advisory because of a temporary loss of pressure in the municipal water system.
“The bacteriological quality of the water supply has been tested with no adverse results being reported,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager in the Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “Residents in the affected areas may notice chlorine odours and discoloured water.”
What to do after a drinking water advisory is lifted and before using the water:
- Run cold water faucets for 5 minutes or until the water runs clear.
- Run drinking fountains for 5 minutes before using the water or until the water runs clear.
- Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
- Drain and refill hot water heaters.
- Large-volume users (for example, schools) may need to run cold water taps longer on first use.
- To get rid of sediment, faucet screens should be removed, rinsed and put back in place.
For more information, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.
This item was last modified on September 7, 2024
Drinking water advisory issued for Little Current
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued a drinking water advisory effective immediately for all residents of Little Current.
A drinking water advisory means that people who take their water from the municipal system should NOT use it for drinking; making juice, infant formula, or ice; cooking; washing uncooked fruit 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).
Once the water supply is re-established, which was interrupted due to a mechanical issue, residents should not use the water for human consumption until advised otherwise by Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
“It is possible that the loss of water pressure created conditions that compromised the safety of the drinking water,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “Until bacteriological testing of the drinking water indicates a safe supply, the drinking water advisory will remain in effect as a precaution.”
Public Health staff will continue to monitor the situation. Public Health Sudbury & Districts will notify the municipality when the drinking water advisory is lifted and residents will be advised.
For more information, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 398 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.
This item was last modified on September 5, 2024