The Regional District of Central Kootenay has issued a boil water notice for users of the Woodbury Village water system.
Recent testing showed a total coliform count that exceeds health guidelines. Current water quality is now considered poor.
The RDCK and Interior Health recommend all users drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice. Water intended for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute. Boiled water should then be refrigerated in a clean, covered container. Customers could also choose to use bottled or distilled water, or water that has been filtered through a well-maintained treatment device.
The RDCK says it’s taking additional measures to reduce risk.
The Woodbury Village water system was created in 1985 and has 42 connections. Its source is Kootenay Lake and it’s treated with ultraviolet light. It was owned and operated by the Woodbury Village Services Society until being converted to an RDCK service in 2012.
According to the RDCK, the system has been subject to recurring bacteria, which could be the result of chlorination and flushing loosening but not completely removing biofilm build up on pipe walls.
Last year, residual hypochlorite was left in the system. After the treatment, coliform bacteria didn’t show up in water samples. The regional district planned to replace the aging control system in 2014 but this was postponed. It will probably be swapped out when a new ultraviolet system is installed next year.