Tuesday, July 7, 2026

That meant water tanker trucks were providing potable water to residents who were lined up for safe water at the local fire hall — within half an hour of the alert going out this evening. Hamilton Public Health says the e-coli was found during routine testing, and adds it is a separate issue from the intermittent lead detection in the local water supply. The city is working on the problem, and residents seemed to be dealing with the threat pretty well.

Grant Lehman, Water Department Supervisor: “Were out here right now as a reactive measure. We’re flushing, resampling. We’ve got the water truck on site to supply water to residents for washing their hands and such. Public health sent the word out not to use the water at all.”

“It’s gonna’ suck not having to shower. But we just having finished our dinner, cooked in it so. I hope it’s not that bad yet.”

“We’ve had issues in the past where samples come back bad. They tell you not to drink it for a while.”

There’s no time frame as to when the problem will be resolved. Until then, residents will be lining up at the Lynden Fire Hall, filling containers with water they can safely use.

This media release was put out just before 7pm Wednesday evening by Hamilton Public Health Services:

In addition to the current Drinking Water Advisory (DWA) for lead, Hamilton Public Health Services has issued a DWA for E. coli today for those who use Lynden’s Municipal Drinking Water System. A routine bacteriological water sample collected as part of regular monitoring of the drinking water system was positive for E.coli and total coliform bacteria. As a result, the Medical Officer of Health strongly urges residents of Lynden on the municipal water system not to drink their water until further notice.

“This current detection of bacteria in a water sample is separate from the intermittent lead detection in Lynden’s drinking water supply which has resulted in an ongoing Drinking Water Advisory. We are issuing an updated Advisory to Lynden residents as the city-supplied lead filters will not remove bacterial contamination. Boiling water is effective to kill E. coli and other bacteria but will not remove lead and can increase its concentration” said Dr. Matt Hodge, Associate Medical Officer of Health for the city of Hamilton.

Hamilton Water is working to resolve the issue and the DWA will remain in effect until two sets of acceptable bacteriological samples come back negative for E. coli and total coliform bacteria. Hamilton Water is also endeavouring to provide an alternate supply of water via a water tanker. Residents are encouraged to check in at the Lynden Fire Hall to determine when the alternate source is up and running.

Lynden residents with health-related questions or concerns can call Hamilton’s Contact Centre at: 905 546 2489.