The District of Lake Country in conjunction with Interior Health has downgraded the recent boil water notice back to a water quality advisory effective immediately.
Recent testing and monitoring has shown water quality has improved and disinfection (chlorine) levels have recovered.
Interior Health recommends that children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and anyone seeking additional protection drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice. For these at-risk populations, water intended for drinking, washing fruits or vegetables, making juice or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute.”
Turbidity (water clarity) fluctuates on the Beaver Lake source and times may exceed 1 NTU.
What is Turbidity?
Turbidity is a measure of how clear or cloudy the water is and “NTU” is the unit it is measured in. Particles can interfere with the disinfection process and may reduce chlorines effectiveness. Turbidity in the good and fair range are invisible to the human eye.
Health risks increase as turbidity rises, particularly for at-risk populations such as newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites can attach themselves to the suspended particles in turbid water. These particles can then interfere with disinfection, limiting chlorine’s ability to remove or inactivate the contaminants.
Until water treatment facilities are constructed, the Water Quality Advisory is expected to remain in effect.
Mike Mitchell, Utility Superintendent
For more information, contact Mike Mitchell (Utility Superintendent) at 250-766-6677 or Interior Health at 250-549-5714 or www.interiorhealth.ca.
