March 15^th, 2007

HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED TO CAUSE DRINKING WATER TURBIDITY

There is a likelihood that within the next 24 hours some residents of the Greater Vancouver Regional District may notice increasingly turbid drinking water (water that appears cloudy) as a result of extremely heavy rainfall on the steep terrain above the GVRD’s water supply lakes.

Turbidity occurs when sediment is transported into water reservoirs by runoff. Water quality in GVRD source reservoirs is closely monitored, and turbidity of one NTU prompts increased disinfection of the water as a precaution. Disinfection has been increased at the two currently active GVRD water sources, and at secondary disinfection stations throughout the system.

While turbid water is not a concern for most customers, those with compromised immune systems due to HIV or who are undertaking chemotherapy or anti-rejection medications should take extra precautions. Industry may also notice the presence of turbidity in the water supply.

Point Roberts Water District No. 4 will continue to monitor the turbid water and when levels are elevated to an unacceptable level Point Roberts Water District No. 4 will issue a boil water notice. Completion of the Seymour-Capilano Filtration project in 2009 will provide a long term solution to turbidity in drinking water.