Water Quality Advisory issued for City of Nanaimo

Rain may bring increased sediment into drinking water supply

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed August 28, 2015 10:00 AM

Summary

Environment Canada has issued a weather alert for heavy rain over the coming weekend. Following the prolonged dry period, this may result in an increase in sediment running into the City's drinking water supply. The City of Nanaimo is therefore issuing a Water Quality Advisory that residents may notice cloudy or discoloured tap water. Residents with compromised immune systems should boil drinking water for one minute.

The City of Nanaimo would also like to advise that, due to the drought conditions this summer, soils have a reduced capacity to absorb water, thus creating a risk for flash-flooding during periods of heavy rain. Roads are likely to be slippery.

For updates, please refer to the City of Nanaimo’s web page or follow the City's Twitter account.

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

Key Points

Heavy rain over the weekend may result in an increase in turbidity levels in the City's drinking water supply. The City is advising residents that water quality may deteriorate due to turbidity.
Residents may notice their water is discoloured due to increased sediment in the water. Disinfection levels are good and the water is fine to consume.
Staff will continue to monitor water quality over the weekend, disinfection levels are currently effective.
Flooding or other challenges can be reported to the City's Public Works Department at 250-758-5222

Quotes

"This water quality advisory is precautionary in nature. After such a long period without rain, the forest has accumulated a significant amount of dry litter. It is likely that heavy rain will wash this into creeks and rivers near the City's drinking water intake, and we will see increased turbidity in the water supply. Operations staff are ensuring that disinfection levels are stable, and will continue to monitor over the weekend."

Bill Sims

Manager, Water Resources

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

To avoid the risk of localized property flooding, home owners are encouraged to clear their drains and gutters of debris prior to forecasted rain events.

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Contact:

Bill Sims

Manager, Water Resources

City of Nanaimo

250-756-5302

Bill.Sims@nanaimo.ca

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