Home / Disasters and Accidents / Ferry Water Woes: Boil Advisory Lingers
Ferry Water Woes: Boil Advisory Lingers
10 Sep
Summary
- Boil-water advisory on MV Confederation for over a month.
- Coliform bacteria detected in the vessel's water tanks.
- Source of contamination suspected to be St. John's, NL.
A boil-water advisory has been in effect for the MV Confederation ferry, which operates between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, N.S., for more than a month. The advisory was initiated on July 9, 2026, after the vessel's water tanks tested positive for coliform bacteria. This marks an extended period of water quality concerns for the ferry, with issues reportedly beginning at the start of the sailing season in April 2026.
Northumberland Ferries Limited is conducting super chlorination treatments on the water tanks to eliminate bacteria. According to Jeff Joyce, the general manager, the situation is improving, and the need for bottled water has decreased. However, the exact source of the contamination remains unidentified, though it is suspected to have occurred in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, following the vessel's dry dock.
Public health regulations require two consecutive clear test results before the advisory can be lifted. While tap water is available in washrooms, there are no drinking fountains on board. Joyce stated that customers have not been exposed to risks and that the issue is expected to be resolved soon.
