Water Quality Advisory Cancelled for City of Nanaimo

Turbidity levels have returned to normal

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed February 10, 2015 3:36 PM

Summary

The Water Quality Advisory that was issued Friday, February 6, is now cancelled. The City placed the advisory to inform residents that cloudiness in their tap water may be observed due to sedimentation from the high rainfall within the drinking watershed. The advisory provided Friday was NOT a Boil Water Advisory as there was no contamination of the water supply.

The City monitored and tested drinking water extensively over the weekend. While turbidity levels were above ideal values, disinfection remained effective, and bacteriological testing showed no presence of bacteria in the water.

Residents with weakened immune systems should reference the Island Heath public information link provided at the bottom of this news release and understand that the Nanaimo's water source is currently unfiltered. Once the new water treatment plant is operational - anticipated to be late in 2015 - the City's water supply will be filtered to a very high degree.

Link to Strategic Plan: Taking responsibility to be an excellent municipal government.

Key Points

Last week the City observed elevated levels of turbidity at the source of its drinking water system due to heavy rains in the South Fork watershed. With the passing of the rain storms, turbidity levels have returned to normal.
Residents may notice slight cloudiness to their drinking water as the system clears.
Drinking water remained free of bacteria throughout the event as shown by extensive testing and monitoring. The water remained safe to drink for the majority of the population.

Quotes

"With the passing of the significant rainstorms of late last week, turbidity levels in the City's drinking water source have returned to normal. The Water Quality Advisory was put in place on Friday as a means of keeping the public informed about changes they may notice to the drinking water. This Advisory is now cancelled."

Bill Sims

Manager, Water Resources

City of Nanaimo

Links

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Contact:

Bill Sims

Manager, Water Resources

City of Nanaimo

250-758-5222

Print News Release

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