A power outage in a Manitoba town prompted a boil water advisory.

According to the city of Beausejour, a power outage on October 31 caused a loss of water pressure in the city’s water distribution system.

Depressurizing the distribution can compromise the safety of the water supply, the city said, so a boil water advisory was issued to protect the public.

The city said that until further notice, all water used for consumption must be boiled for at least one minute before being used for drinking and making ice, preparing beverages such as infant formula, preparing food and brushing teeth.

“Tap water used for other purposes, such as washing clothes or dishes, does not need to be boiled,” the public notice reads.

“Adults and older children who can avoid swallowing water can wash, bathe or shower. Young children should be sponge bathed.”

If boiling is not practical, an alternative supply of water should be used for drinking purposes, such as bottled water.

Meanwhile, all public, permitted commercial facilities, such as restaurants or personal care residences, must follow the water use recommendations.

The city said the boil water notice will be in effect until the water supplied no longer poses a public health risk, at which time residents will be notified.