Back to SearchUpdate 3: Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Leith Residents
March 16, 2026 – 6pm
Municipality of Meaford is advising residents that the precautionary Boil Water Advisory affecting Leith residents connected to the Owen Sound municipal water system has been lifted, effective immediately. This follows confirmation from the City of Owen Sound, based on an engineering assessment by Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, that the water supply has achieved adequate disinfection and is safe to consume.
Residents may now use tap water normally, including for drinking, preparing food or beverages, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, and brushing teeth. No remedial flushing or running of taps is required.
Water Conservation Still Strongly Encouraged
Although the advisory has been lifted, Owen Sound continues to recommend water conservation while the system stabilizes. Residents can help by:
- Taking short showers
- Avoiding half-loads in dishwashers or washing machines
- Not flushing unnecessarily
- Continuing to avoid unnecessary water use
More Information
For full details and official updates, please refer to the City of Owen Sound’s announcement:
https://www.owensound.ca/news/posts/precautionary-boil-water-advisory-owen-sound-lifted-water-conservation-recommendations-still-in-place/
Update 1 & 2: Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Affecting Leith Residents
March 16 - 12pm
The Municipality of Meaford is issuing an update to advise residents that a precautionary Boil Water Advisory has been put in place by the City of Owen Sound. This advisory applies to residents in Leith who are connected to the Owen Sound municipal water system. At this time, this advisory does not impact all Meaford residents, only those in Leith who receive water through the Owen Sound supply.
Additional details are being gathered and verified, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
For now, residents in the affected area should continue to follow the guidance provided by Owen Sound. The City has released new information through the following updates:
For all updates and easy access to information, visit owensound.ca/boilwateradvisory. Residents may also subscribe to receive page updates directly from Owen Sound to stay informed.
Boil Water Advisory Issued for Leith Area Residents on the Municipal Water System
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2026
The Municipality of Meaford is advising that a precautionary Boil Water Advisory has been issued by the City of Owen Sound for all residents and consumers using the municipal water system, including those in Leith who are connected to the Owen Sound supply. This advisory follows high turbidity (cloudiness) detected at the water treatment plant, which can interfere with the disinfection process.
Residents should bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming, including for drinking, preparing food, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth. Boiling is especially important for young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
It is not necessary to boil water for showering, bathing, laundry, or washing dishes. Drinking water directly from the tap is not recommended at this time.
The City of Owen Sound is also asking all users of its municipal water system, including those in Leith, to temporarily reduce water use to support required system recovery efforts. This advisory impacts the entire City of Owen Sound, parts of Meaford (Village of Leith), and Georgian Bluffs connected to the system.
The City continues to conduct increased testing and is working with Grey Bruce Public Health. Residents will be notified when the advisory is lifted. Updates are available in Owen Sound’s full release:
https://www.owensound.ca/news/posts/precautionary-boil-water-advisory-and-residents-asked-to-temporarily-reduce-use-of-water-in-city-of-owen-sound/
For updates, visit:
Residents will be notified when the precautionary boil water advisory notice is lifted at OwenSound.ca/News. This will occur when the water is confirmed to be safe to consume.
For additional information:
Tim Simmonds
City Manager
City of Owen Sound
519-376-4440 ext. 1210
tsimmonds@owensound.ca
Media Contact:
Holly Moroney
Manager, Communications & Customer Service
Municipality of Meaford
519-538-1060 ext. 1601
hmoroney@meaford.ca
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