The Regional District of Central Kootenay has issued a water quality advisory for users of the South Slocan water system.
Recent testing shows current water quality is only fair due to increased seasonal turbidity, they said in a news release.
While health risks are considered low, the RDCK and Interior Health recommend that young children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and anyone seeking additional protection drink boiled water or use a safe alternative until further notice.
For these groups, water intended for drinking, washing food, making ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute.
Heath risks increase as turbidity rises as contaminants including viruses, bacteria, and parasites attach themselves to suspended particles in turbid water. These particles can interfere with disinfection.
The South Slocan water system has 59 active connections and currently draws water from Watts' Brook. A new treatment plant was installed in 2010 that uses sand filtration as well as UV disinfection and residual chlorine.