Winnipeg expands boil-water advisory to entire city after positive E. coli tests

Winnipeg has expanded a boil-water advisory to the entire city because of positive tests for potentially harmful bacteria.

The city says the move is just precautionary after six water samples showed the presence of E. coli and coliform at low levels earlier today.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority initially said the advisory only applied to the area of the city east of the Red River.

City officials say the advisory was expanded to the whole city out of an abundance of caution.

Residents are being told to bring their water to a boil for at least one minute before using it to drink, make food or infant formula or brushing teeth.

But it is not necessary to boil tap water for other household purposes, such as laundry or washing dishes.

Adults and children who can avoid swallowing water can use it to bathe.