Second Water Quality Advisory issued for Russet Bluff Water System, Boil Water Notice rescinded

The Cariboo Regional District has downgraded the Boil Water Notice for the Russet Bluff Water System to a water quality advisory. This Advisory remains in effect until further notice.

Interior Health has authorized the Cariboo Regional District to downgrade the Boil Water Notice for the Russet Bluff Water System to a Water Quality Advisory. This advisory is due to the use of untreated water from the lower water well, which is designated as groundwater source at risk of pathogens (GARP) and will remain in effect until further notice.

Under the new Water Quality Advisory, residents are no longer required to boil water prior to consumption or seek an alternate water supply. However, it is recommended that such precautions be taken for vulnerable residents including seniors, children, and residents with health concerns.

To date, the Cariboo Regional District has conducted a microscopic particle analysis of the lower well, and results are expected to be received in the coming weeks. Additionally, routine bacteriological water sampling conducted to date has not indicated the presence of coliform bacteria. Further, system-wide flushing and reservoir cleaning has also been completed as part of the transition to the lower well as the system’s water source.

The Water Quality Advisory related to manganese concentrations in water sourced from the lower well also remain in effect. Residents are advised to refer to that advisory for further information.

These Water Quality Advisories will remain in effect until the water source is again switched to the upper well at which time the Water Quality Advisories will be rescinded, and the public will be notified. Frequent water sampling will continue to take place as we continue to work with Interior Health.

For more information about boil water advisories and service interruptions in the CRD and what to expect, visit cariboord.ca/water-notices-and-advisories. To receive updates on CRD water systems and other relevant information within the CRD, residents are reminded to subscribe to the latest news on our website at cariboord.ca/subscribe.