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Public advised of drinking water quality changes

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed December 10, 2014 1:15 PM

Summary

(Distributed at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, December 10) - Due to the increased rainfall in the City's watershed (235 mm in the past 48 hours) resulting in an elevated rate of flow and a subsequent rise in turbidity (a measure of the cloudiness of the water), residents may notice discolouration in supplied water due to sedimentation. Regular measures to disinfect supplied water continue to be carried out by the City, with monitoring occurring and communication with Island Health in place. At this time a boil advisory has NOT been issued.

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

Key Points

  • The City is observing elevated levels of turbidity at the source of its drinking water system due to heavy rains in the South Fork watershed.
  • Turbidity readings are also elevated within the City's drinking water supply system. Residents may notice tap water is slightly discoloured.
  • Water Supply Operations have ensured that its disinfection equipment is effectively disinfecting water throughout the system.

Quotes

"At this time we are advising the public that we are monitoring the City's drinking water system carefully."

Bill Sims
Manager, Water Resources
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Turbidity is measured continuously at South Fork Dam, and as the water enters the system. Entering the system, turbidity climbed from less than 1 NTU at midnight, to about 5 NTU this morning.
  • The City’s Waterworks Operating Permit requires the City to notify the Drinking Water Officer when turbidity averages 5 NTU for 12 hours. This threshold has not been met.
  • As a result of this week's storm, a total of 87 mm of rain has fallen in Nanaimo over the last two days. This is considered a two-year return period storm.
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Contact:

Bill Sims
Manager, Water Resources
City of Nanaimo
250-756-5302

Print News Release

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