Boil water notice re-issued for part of West Kelowna

Photo: Colin Dacre

File photo of Rose Valley Reservoir

The City of West Kelowna has re-issued a full boil water notice for the Lakeview-Rose Valley service area.

The boil water notice was first issued on May 27, before being downgraded on June 3, but was reinstated on Friday afternoon.

The notice is due to elevated levels of coliform in the system, likely due to heavy runoff, from late season snowpack melt, coupled with persistent rain.

Chlorine disinfection is highly effective against coliform; and, the city continues to treat the system’s water with chlorine. However, turbidity in the system also remains high; and, therefore the boil water notice is required as a precaution because there is the potential for bacteria, protozoa, viruses and other microorganisms to attach themselves to suspended particles in the turbid water, shielding the microorganisms from the chlorine.

Under a boil water notice, everyone in the service area must use water brought to a rolling boil for one minute or more, or seek an alternative safe source, for brushing teeth, drinking, making baby formula and ice, preparing food and beverages and washing fruits and vegetables.

The bulk filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads provides a safe, alternative source of drinking water. An interactive map of water service areas in West Kelowna is here.