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May 04, 2018 - 12:28 PM
WEST KELOWNA – Around 18,000 West Kelowna residents are urged to use caution when drinking or cooking with water from any of the four water providers until further notice.
Increased snowmelt from higher elevations likely caused an increase in particulate matter in the water, which makes it easier for bacteria to escape the chlorination process.
A media release from the City of West Kelowna says until tests are complete, young children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system should boil tap water for one minute before consuming.
The Water Quality Advisory affects roughly 7,000 households in the northern half of West Kelowna, but also affects businesses, daycares, schools and any other facilities receiving water from the four systems.
“Since the four systems use only chlorination as treatment, bacteria, viruses and microorganisms can attach themselves to suspended particles in the turbid water and become shielded from chlorine disinfection,” the release says. “Turbidity in the Pritchard, Sunnyside, and West Kelowna Estates Systems is being recorded at Okanagan Lake intake sites and is caused by spring runoff.”
Meanwhile, residents have free access to the bulk water station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads.
“A tap is located on the Asquith Road side of the station. Users must bring their own containers, and hoses if needed, and ensure they are clean and suitable for potable water."
The release says the City of West Kelowna is currently designing the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, with construction expected to start later this year and be completed in 2020. Once completed, the plant will provide multi-barrier protection for all four systems.
Customers can visit the Healthlink B.C. website for more information about preventing water-borne infections.
The areas in yellow are impacted by the water quality advisory.
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