To stay on top of Winnipeg’s water woes, many have turned to social media.
“It was made public a lot quicker than if it was just postings on doors and on water fountains, so social media definitely blew it up,” said Emily Harrrison, who checks news online.
The city said, other than news shows and radio, social media is the best ways to get the message out.
Right now, Canada doesn't have a system to put a warning up, as is done in the United States.
So the mayor helped get the message out by tweeting videos he posted on YouTube and information from city staff.
Social media expert Susie Erjavec Parker said the tool goes beyond quickly delivering the facts.
“That YouTube clip from the mayor's office - I think it adds a greater level of trust and assurance,” said Erjavec Parker.
With social media drowning in water posts, some saw opportunity with online ads popping up selling water and filters.
One for a water purifier used the key word E. Coli.
Mike Mailman posted it. He said he was already planning to sell the purifier at some point but the social media attention related to the advisory prompted the wording and timing of his ad.
“People know that E.coli could be present in their water. Nobody wants to get sick. Why not take advantage of the perfect timing?” said Mailman.
