As a result of high turbidity from spring runoff, the Regional District of Central Kootenay has issued an advisory for users of the Riondel water system.
“The RDCK and Interior Health recommend that children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone seeking additional protection drink boiled water or a safe alternative,” says utility services manager Brian Nickurak.
For these groups, water intended for drinking, washing food, making ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute. Boiled water should then be refrigerated in a clean, covered container. Residents could also opt to use bottled or distilled water, or water filtered through a treatment device.
Meanwhile, the B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for the Salmo River.
“High streamflows are expected on small to medium sized watersheds throughout the South Interior/Kootenay,” the centre said in a news release.
However, flows on the Salmo River are expected to remain below the two-year flow level. The streamflow advisory — one level below a flood watch — means river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected.
Snowpacks throughout the region are elevated to accumulation in April and a delay in the spring melt. As of May 1, the snowpack was 142 per cent of normal throughout the Kootenays. River levels have risen in the past week with warmer weather.