07/03/2026
In light of the recent storm causing power outages in Wellington County and surrounding areas, it's important to ensure the safety of your food and private well water during and following these disruptions.
🍕 🥗 Food Safety During Power Outages
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures.
• Discard perishable foods like meat, dairy, and leftovers if the power has been out for 4 hours or more.
• When in doubt, throw it out—consuming spoiled food can lead to illness.
For comprehensive food safety guidelines, visit: https://bit.ly/3T18n2t and refer to our "Food Safety During a Power Failure" resource: https://bit.ly/4eUe2yD
🚰 💧 Private Well Water Safety
If you rely on a private well, avoid using water during the outage to prevent depressurizing the system, which can lead to contamination.
Once power is restored:
• Flush the system by running water for several minutes to clear stagnant water.
• Ensure your treatment system is functioning properly.
We recommend you get your well water tested before using it if:
• Your water system loses all of its pressure.
• No water comes out of the faucets.
• Once operational, the appearance of the water causes you concern.
• Until results confirm safety, boil water for at least one minute or use an alternative safe water source.
For more information on well water testing, visit: https://bit.ly/44IbcIe
Detailed information from Health Canada on well water safety during emergencies can be found here: https://bit.ly/4wfZKPO
County of Wellington
