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City issues Water Quality Advisory
In response to a ‘Fair’ rating on the Turbidity Index the City of Fernie has issued a Water Quality Advisory (WQA) effective immediately.
Recent turbidity levels between 1 and 5 NTU exceed the 1 NTU standard recommended in the federal Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. While health risks are considered low, the City of Fernie and Interior Health recommend that children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone seeking additional protection drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice.
For these at-risk populations, water intended for drinking, washing fruits or vegetables, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
For your part, and pursuant to B.C.’s Drinking Water Protection Regulation, we request that you:
- display the attached WQA poster in common areas;
- post the attached WQA notice at every sink or drinking water fountain accessible to the public;
- verbally advise your clientele of the WQA, as opportunities arise.
In addition, you could turn off sinks or fountains, provide a safe alternative to tap water (e.g. bottled water), or install a filtration device that will protect your customers now and in the event of future water quality events.
The City of Fernie is taking additional steps to reduce risk. Interior Health has been fully involved, and the public will be notified when conditions change or water quality has improved. The WQA will be rescinded when the City of Fernie resumes normal operating conditions. The City of Fernie and Interior Health recommend that you run water from all faucets for at least five minutes to flush the lines prior to resuming normal operations.
We appreciate your patience and apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for doing your part to protect public health. For more information, contact the City of Fernie at (250) 423-6817, or our website at www.fernie.ca.
This advisory is in effect until rescinded, please check the City of Fernie website daily for any further information on the current condition of the Fernie Water Supply.
City of Fernie
