45,000 remain under boil water advisory as City of Gatineau asks residents to limit water usage

A map of a boil water advisory zone in Gatineau. June 19, 2026. (Screenshot)

A boil water advisory is in effect for tens of thousands of Gatineau residents due to a water main break, and the city is asking residents to temporarily reduce their water usage.  

On Friday evening, the city said approximately 45,000 residents were under a boil water advisory following a water main break on rue Saint-Louis.

In a news release on Saturday, the city asked residents in the Gatineau, Hull and Aylmer sectors to reduce their water usage, particularly during peak morning and evening hours, as city crews work to restore normal service.

“Residents are encouraged to limit activities such as laundry, dishwasher use, watering lawns, washing vehicles and filling pools until further notice,” the city said.

“To ensure a stable and consistent supply of drinking water for all residents, public cooperation is essential.”

The city says residents in these areas may notice service interruptions as work continues.

Boil water advisory

The approximate area affected by the boil water advisory spans from rue Saint-Louis east to rue Main, and from the Ottawa River up to boulevard la Vérendrye Ouest.

“Residents in the area affected by the boil water advisory must boil their water for one minute before consuming it, until the advisory is lifted,” the City of Gatineau wrote.

Residents may notice a drop in water pressure as well as yellowish discolouration in their water, the city says.

When the boil water advisory has concluded, residents will need to open all cold water taps to let water run for one minute, or until it becomes cold, before using it. Any ice made while the advisory was in effect should also be discarded.

The city says rue Saint-Louis is closed between boulevard de la Cité and boulevard Maloney West to allow for repairs to the water main.

To see the full area of the boil water advisory, visit the City of Gatineau’s online map tool.

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