Photo: Contributed

The Southeast Kelowna Irrigation District has issued a boil-water notice for some of its customers.

The notice is for those users on the surface water system. It's in effect until further notice.

The notice was issued after a property owner ruptured a 16-inch water main on an easement running through his property.

The contractor hired by the property owner proceeded with the excavation without obtaining the location of the water main from the district.

Increased flow from the water main break overwhelmed the chlorine system at the district intake, requiring a boil-water notice be issued. The break has been isolated, and the chlorine system will be reactivated shortly.

However, untreated water has entered the distribution system and it will take a few days to insure it 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.

“Owners of all public facilities must post boil-water notices at all sinks or drinking water fountains accessible to the public (alternatively, public fountains and taps may be turned off).