May 18, 2017

Water Quality Advisory for Killiney and Westshore Water Systems

In consultation with Interior Health, the Regional District of Central Okanagan has downgraded a previously issued Boil Water Notice to a Water Quality Advisory for customers of the Killiney Beach and Westshore Estates water systems.

The advisory affects more than 280 properties serviced in the Killiney Beach subdivision and 265 properties in the Westshore Estates subdivision, both located off Westside Road.

Increased turbidity in each of the water system sources from high runoff has resulted in water quality that might impact children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.  Roadside sign notices will be in place in each area advising of the water advisories.

Communications Officer Bruce Smith says “while the health risk is modest and no bacteria have been found in any of the water tested from the systems, Regional District staff recommends that as a precaution that Killiney Beach and Westshore Estates water customers follow Interior Health guidelines, especially for those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, children and those wishing additional precautions.   All water intended for drinking, washing fruit and vegetables, making beverages, ice or brushing teeth should be boiled for at least one minute or customers should use a safe alternative to water from the tap such as bottled or distilled water.”

This precautionary water quality advisory will continue until turbidity returns to normal operating levels within acceptable Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.  Flooding concerns and extreme weather conditions may result in changes to the water quality of Okanagan Lake and may require an upgrade to a Boil Water Notice.

Sandbags are in place to protect the intake pumphouses for each system from rising lake water levels.  Residents are asked not to remove any of these flood protection works.

For information visit the Regional District website water system webpage (regionaldistrict.com/water) or contact RDCO Environmental Services at engineer@cord.bc.ca or 250-469-6241.  To subscribe online for Regional District water quality advisories or alerts by email visit regionaldistrict.com/water.

Contact:

Bruce Smith

Communications Officer

250-469-6339

Links to Interior Health Information:

Water Advisories and Notifications

www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/DrinkingWater/Pages/AdvisoriesNotifications.aspx

Turbidity

www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/DrinkingWater/Documents/turbidity.pdf

Drinking Water

www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/DrinkingWater/Pages/default.aspx