Pending a break in the stormy weather of late, a boil water advisory issued Monday by the Comox Valley Regional District — under direction of Island Health — will continue over the short term.
Due to recent rainfall, turbidity levels have risen in Comox Lake, which supplies local service areas. Water is taken from the Puntledge River and delivered to about 41,000 residents. Areas affected are the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, and the Comox Valley, Arden, Marsden/Camco, Greaves Crescent and England Road water local service areas.
“In light of the heavy rains and the wind, that turbidity (cloudiness) is an issue at this time,” CVRD communications manager Koreen Gurak said. “It’s all dependent. We’re not sure how long that will go on.”
High levels of tiny particles are causing the water to look cloudy.
“That’s basically what it is,” Gurak said. “All the samples have come back fine. It’s purely precautionary reasons only (for the advisory). Hopefully this rainfall and wind moves along and the lake starts to clear up, and we can resume back to normal.”
Until the advisory is lifted, residents are asked to minimize non-essential water use. The CVRD will advise when the problem is resolved.
All users of the Valley’s water system — especially those with compromised immune systems — are advised to boil drinking water for one minute at a rolling boil.
Those with questions about the notice can call 334-6000.
For information about how to boil and resources on the boil water advisory, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/boil.