The Department of Environment issued a precautionary boil water advisory today, Feb. 3, for Chester. The advisory is for homes and businesses within the boundaries of Central Street to Water Street and from Union Street to South Street.

Bacteria was found through routine testing of a dug well on Pleasant Street. Further investigation determined that a sewage line break led to bacteria in the well, which has since been repaired.

The bacteria can come from human or animal feces that gets into lakes, rivers and water supplies.

To make sure water is safe in potentially affected areas, it needs to be boiled for at least one minute before it can be used for drinking, preparing infant formula, making juices or ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking or brushing teeth.

If boiling water is not possible, people should use bottled water. Learn more http://www.novascotia.ca/nse/water/privatewells.asp .

The department is also testing the drinking water supply and monitoring the quality of ground water in the area.

People will be notified when the boil advisory is lifted.

Source: Release