Slide impacts approximately 500 people in Seymour Arm

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A slide in the Seymour Arm area of the Shuswap has taken out a local water system.

There were no injuries, but a landslide in the Bass Creek area of Seymour Arm Thursday July 2, damaged a water system and the 1200 Forest Service Road.

Columbia Shuswap Regional District officials said the debris flow wiped out the water diversion structure on Bass Creek that supplies water to 205 connections on the system, affecting approximately 500 people in Seymour Arm.

The recent rainfall contributed to the slide, which caused water and debris to damage an existing channel and carve a new path.

It also resulted in damage to the 1200 Forest Service Road, which is used and maintained by Canoe Forest Products.

The public is asked to stay away from the area as there is still water flowing and the ground may be unstable.

The Shuswap Emergency Program is working with Emergency Management BC on a safety assessment of the channel before work can begin on re-establishing the water system.

Interior Health is communicating with owners of the private water system to determine an interim plan to ensure a safe supply of water to those affected by the damage.

Canoe Forest Products is working to repair the road.