Clean drinking water is available for residents of Peterview affected by a non-consumption advisory issued by the town.

The municipality was doing work in the area of the main water line near Abbott Street recently when a worker encountered a significant smell of fuel.

Out of an abundance of caution, a water advisory went out immediately while remediation work is being carried out by a private company to clean up the contaminated soil. Testing is underway to determine if any hydrocarbons made their way into the water line.

The advisory affects most of the town from the Salvation Army Church to the end of the water line.

Deputy Mayor Corey Samson says it could be a few days before they get the all-clear.

He says the contaminated soil was first found in the Abbott Street area, which falls under the town’s jurisdiction, but the affected area may extend further onto the main road which is maintained by the province.

“So right now we’re waiting on a permit from those folks so we can get access and get down there and to continue to clean up the area,” says Samson.

That’s in addition to water-testing results which could take up to a week to receive.

Residents are being asked not to consume tap water for drinking or cooking until further notice, with the town noting that boiling the water and running it through water filters will not make it safe to drink.

Newborns, infants and those who are pregnant are advised not to bathe with tap water in the affected area, and not to use tap water for mixing infant formula.

Clean water for drinking and cooking is available at the Salvation Amy Church and from outdoor taps at Riverside Park.

Peterview is just a few kilometres south of Botwood in central Newfoundland.