North Okanagan

Video: Kelly Hayes - Castanet

Sicamous will be without drinking water for at least another two weeks as a result of heavy flooding in the area.

Interior Health has issued a mandatory "do not consume" notice on all water systems in the Sicamous and Swansea Point area.

This includes showers and dishes

Due to recent flooding and to avoid health risks, Interior Health (IH) is advising people to use bottled water or an alternate source of water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation until further notice.

Boiling the water will not make it safe in this instance.

If alternate water sources are used, the water must be from Interior Health approved sources only.  The water in hot water tanks may also be unsafe.  Please consult a qualified plumber before draining a hot water tank.

Meantime, at a briefing for local evacuees in the Sicamous area, residents were informed the lake could rise another 15 cm although it is expected to crest in the next few days.

Extra signs are being brought in reminding boaters on the lake to slow down.

Highway 97a also remains closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed until such time as it's safe for crews to assess damages.

More than 300 people have been evacuated.