Imagine turning on your tap, ready to fill your morning coffee maker, only to realize your water might not be safe to drink. That’s the reality for residents of Thessalon right now, as a boil water advisory has been issued, leaving many scrambling to adjust their daily routines. But here’s where it gets tricky: health officials warn that those handy automatic shutoff kettles and coffee makers you rely on? They don’t actually meet the boiling requirements needed to ensure your water is safe. Who knew, right?
Algoma Public Health issued the advisory on January 15, 2026, after receiving updated information from the Ontario Clean Water Agency about a water pressure issue in Thessalon’s municipal system. It turns out, a power interruption on January 13 caused a loss of pressure in the town’s drinking water system, potentially compromising its safety. And this is the part most people miss: even if the water looks clear, it could still harbor harmful bacteria or contaminants.
So, what does this mean for you if you’re in Thessalon? Residents are advised to bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or preparing food. Bottled water is a safe alternative, of course. But here’s a controversial point: while boiling water seems straightforward, not everyone has the time or resources to do it consistently. Should towns like Thessalon invest more in backup systems to prevent such advisories in the first place? Let’s discuss that in the comments.
Health officials also recommend using boiled or bottled water for washing fruits and vegetables, making infant formula, and preparing no-cook foods. Items like ice cubes, beverages, or food made with untreated tap water should be discarded—no exceptions. Dishwashers? Run them on sanitize mode. Handwashing dishes? Wash and rinse them first, then sanitize, or use boiled/bottled water. If sanitization isn’t possible, single-use disposable dishes are your best bet.
Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or fever could indicate waterborne illness, so anyone experiencing these should contact a healthcare provider immediately. The advisory will remain in effect until the Town of Thessalon or Algoma Public Health confirms the water is safe. In the meantime, stay informed by visiting the Algoma Public Health website at http://www.algomapublichealth.com/.
But here’s the bigger question: How often do we take clean water for granted? And what does it take for communities to prioritize infrastructure that prevents such crises? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation flowing.
