Boil-water advisory issued for Butterfield Acres petting farm southwest of Airdrie
Alberta Health Services detected E. coli and total coliform bacteria in water samples from the popular Rocky View farm.
Sources · local media reports
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Alberta Health Services has issued a boil-water advisory for Butterfield Acres Petting Farm, located southwest of Airdrie, after bacteriological water testing revealed contamination.
A water sample taken from the facility's source on July 29 tested positive for E. coli and total coliform bacteria, constituting a breach of provincial sanitation regulations. The advisory remains in effect until the farm satisfies a list of conditions.
Required measures include posting "Do not drink" signs at all water fixtures, providing hand sanitizer of at least 60 per cent at handwashing stations, and using only boiled water or approved water sources for drinking, food preparation, and staff use. All food and drink items made with untreated water must be discarded. Utensils, counters, and food contact surfaces must be cleaned with approved sanitizer, and equipment directly connected to the water supply—such as ice makers or pop machines—cannot be used during the advisory.
The farm must also assess its water system to identify and address potential contamination sources, and submit water samples to an executive director after any repairs are completed.
Visitors concerned about possible exposure should contact Alberta Health Services.
When will the farm be able to reopen to the public if water system repairs are completed quickly?
How many visitors may have been exposed since the contamination began?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What bacteria were found in the water at Butterfield Acres?
E. coli and total coliform bacteria were detected in a water sample from Butterfield Acres Petting Farm taken on July 29, 2026.
What water can be used for drinking and cooking during the advisory?
Only boiled water or approved water sources can be used for drinking, food preparation, and staff use at Butterfield Acres Petting Farm during the advisory.
Which equipment can't be used at Butterfield Acres during the boil-water advisory?
Ice makers and pop machines directly connected to the water supply cannot be used at Butterfield Acres Petting Farm during the advisory.
