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October 25, 2016 - 4:26 PM
KELOWNA – A private contractor accidentally ruptured a water main today, Oct. 25, forcing a boil water notice for some South East Kelowna residents.
The notice is for users of the surface water system within the South East Kelowna Irrigation District and means all drinking water should be boiled for at least one minute.
The order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
A media release says the inconvenience was caused by an improper excavation.
“The contractor hired by the property owner proceeded with the excavation without obtaining the location of the water main from the district,” the release says. “The increased flow from the water main break overwhelmed the chlorine system at the district intake, requiring a boil water notice to be issued.”
The release says the break has been isolated and the chlorine system will be reactivated shortly.
“Unfortunately untreated water has entered into the distribution system and it will take a few days to insure the distribution system is flushed and chlorine levels are back up to standards.”
During a boil water notice, tap water used for drinking, brushing teeth, or rinsing ready-to-eat-foods should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute, according to the SEKID website.
Owners of all public facilities must post Boil Water Notices at all sinks or drinking water fountains accessible to the public or shut off.
Residents unsure of who their water supplier is should visit the Kelowna Joint Water Committee website.
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