Chase does not appear to be in any immediate danger of a flood, but residents are being advised to boil their water and stay away from the lake.
Larry Randle, corporate officer and emergency liaison for the Village of Chase, has been on scene surveying the situation at various times over the last few days.
Water levels peaked on Wednesday, according to the BC River Forecast Centre.
Although other towns in the region have faced flooding, the Village of Chase does not appear to be in danger.
“At this point we are not advising any major precautions,” Randle said mid-week.
He explained that Arbutus and Lakeshore are the only streets where houses have been impacted.
“We have made both sand and sandbags available to the public.”
Randle said sandbags can be picked up at the village yard, while sand is located at the Sunshore Golf Course. In some cases, sand is being delivered to residents.
All sand and sandbags are free of charge to those who need them.
Boat launches had been closed down as of press time, and Randle warned that anyone that ignores the tapes, road blocks or signs may face penalties.
“High water areas may contain debris and submerged objects that are not visible, putting boaters at risk,” says a press release from the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General.
“Docks and loading areas may be damaged or destroyed and should not be relied on for safe use. Boaters are reminded to reduce speed to 10 km/h within 30 metres (100 feet) from the shore. Flooded shorelines are extremely vulnerable to damage from boat wake and prop wash. Strong wake activity striking the banks can cause rapid and severe erosion and damage to dikes and retaining walls. Wake impact can also churn up sediments, degrading the aquatic environment and endangering its residents.”
A water quality advisory was issued in the area Tuesday.
The advisory stated, “Due to the current flood warning by the BC Rivers Forecast Centre of the South Thompson River and Shuswap Lake, turbidity levels have risen, along with contamination loading of our source water.”
It notes that an advisory is typically released whenever turbidity levels rise above one, however, the levels Tuesday were reported at 2.2.
While the water was not deemed an extreme threat, newborns to babies six months of age as well as those immunocompromised (such as those with HIV, or those undergoing cancer chemotherapy) were advised to only consume boiled water.
“As turbidity increases through the range, disinfection with chlorine becomes more difficult. Increased turbidity also increases the potential of Giardia and Cryptosporidia to be present in the water. If afflicted by water-borne disease, preschool children and the elderly may be at greater risk of complications such as dehydration,” states the report.
Since the weekend there have been a number of instances in Chase where the water has had an odd egg-like smell, and Monday it began to get a cloudy tinge.
The water quality advisory will most likely remain in affect until after the flooding has run its course. However, it will be monitored daily and actions will be taken accordingly.
The public is being advised to boil water for one minute before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, as well as washing fruits and vegetables that are going to be eaten raw.
The water can also be treated by adding two drops of household bleach per one litre warm water (double dose for cold water), shake, and allow to stand for 30 minutes before using.
Chlorine or iodine tablets may also be added by following manufacturers’ instructions.
Any other questions can be directed to the Village of Chase at 250-851-7340 or Interior Health, Public Health Protection at 250-851-7340.
Despite the Chase wharf being closed down by the village, a number of people have been ignoring the yellow tape and making their way down the water-engulfed walkway to the temporary dock.
“This is not OK,” says Randle. “The Village of Chase staff may not wrestle them down to the ground, but I am sure the RCMP would have something to say about it. It is dangerous, the tape is there for a reason. The wharf is scheduled to be replaced anyway, it is rotting, and the water is not helping the matter.”
Mill Park has also been impacted by the sudden increase in water levels. Along with the boat launch being closed to the public, the tent area of the campground has also been turned into an extension of the lake itself. RV campers now have lakeside views directly in front of the campsites.
Randle explains, “We are monitoring the situation carefully, there is currently no need for emergency. The water is currently calm but high.”
The village is advising people to stay away from the water as the combination of rising levels, hidden debris and fast-moving currents make both the lake and creek a high danger zone.
