Investigative report: 1766 boil-water advisories now in place across Canada.

摘要

More than 1760 provincial boil-water advisories are currently in effect in communities and neighbourhoods across Canada, prompting calls from national and municipal advocacy groups for a federal and provincial strategy to ensure safe drinking water for all Canadians.Poor quality drinking water in Canada is often perceived as an issue primarily of concern to First Nations communities; as of Feb. 29, 2008, there were boil-water advisories in place in 93 First Nations (CMAJ 2008;178:985). These are not included, however, in the 1766 advisories now in place elsewhere in Canada (Box 1). CMAJ compiled provincial lists of small towns, cities and townships, as well as neighbourhoods, trailer parks and business establishments within larger communities where local health officials have instructed residents not to drink water without first boiling it - or, in a fewcases, not to drink or bathe in it at all.