Flooding raises water quality concerns in B.C. Interior

Authorities throughout B.C.'s Interior have issued water quality advisories as flood threats still remain and water turbidity remains high.

They say caution should be exercised with tap water that is used for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making beverages or ice, or for brushing teeth.

The Greater Vernon Water system, which is supplied by Duteau Creek and Kalamalka Lake, hasbeennotified thatits water is classified as "poor," meaning all users should boil water used for the above purposes for one minute.

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Users of the City of Kelowna Water Utility,Grindrod Water Utility,and Greater Vernon Water users supplied by the Delcliffe Water Utility are advised their water is considered "fair," which means children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems should boil water for one minute.

Authorities say filtered or distilled water could be used as an alternative to tap water for those concerned about water quality.

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Private wells need caution too

Caro Analytical Services, a private laboratory company that tests for water quality, saysusers of private wells shouldbe careful during flooding.

They say between 25 and 30 per cent of households may rely on groundwater for domestic use in the region, and health authorities do not monitor the quality of their water.

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"In these circumstances, your water, if it's impacted by surface water and it goes into groundwater, that can be a significant concern and a health risk," Caro vice-president Patrick Novak said.

"When other [authorities] are issuing boil water advisories and these things are happening around you, it's likely affecting you as well.

"You can always be more secure by boiling water if you're concerned in any way. if it's very turbid or there's some signs it doesn't look good, yeah, definitely."

Caro saidthelab company at theKelownalocation will provide free water testing to flood-affected residents until the end of May