Boil water notice issued

A boil water notice has been issued for those water customers still receiving water from the former South East Kelowna Irrigation District (SEKID) distribution system as a domestic drinking water source.

The notice affects approximately 80 properties that have not yet been connected to the new city water supply system and does not apply to properties in Gallagher’s Canyon or the Hall Road areas.

“Interior Health has been contacted and affected properties will be notified directly,” said Ed Hoppe, Water Quality & Customer Care Supervisor. “With the impending freshet run off, it is imperative that the notice precautions be taken by those affected to limit potential health concerns.”

The mandatory notice has been issued due to the loss of effective chlorination throughout the existing SEKID water system for drinking purposes. A BWN will remain in place for this water source as it is being converted exclusively to a non-potable irrigation system. Water testing will remain in place for the Irrigation system but treated according to Canadian Irrigation Water Quality Guidelines.

The Water Integration Project team is working diligently to get all domestic connections made to City water supply as quickly as possible and will directly notify those residents affected when the BWN can be downgraded. For an updated list of affected properties, please view the posting at kelowna.ca/water.

Precautions

Any water that has a chance of being ingested should be boiled, whether it’s for beverages, food preparation, coffee machines, brushing teeth, making ice and water for pets.

All water should be boiled for one minute, cooled and stored in clean, covered containers in a refrigerator. Residents are reminded to cool water prior to use to avoid burns or scalds.

Owners of all public facilities within the affected area are required to post Boil Water Notice at all sinks or drinking water fountains accessible to the public.

To assist owners of public facilities, the City has made available a Boil Water Notice at kelowna.ca/water, which can be printed on standard letter size paper and should be posted until further notice.