Following an emergency effluent discharge into the Elk River by the City of Fernie and the concerns from downstream residents as a result of flooding impacts, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has requested that Interior Health provide information regarding the potential impacts on drinking water.

At this time, they have provided the following information:

Drinking water resources (including private drinking water): https://shorturl.at/yWTmY

Flood information for the public (water quality and your health): https://shorturl.at/GhaJY

The water supplying the Elko Community Water System comes from a confined water aquifer, separate from the Elk River.

RDEK water operators sample the potable water once a week. Interior Health performs the Bacteriological tests on these samples, which are available to the public through the following link: https://shorturl.at/A1QE6

The RDEK’s Emergency Operations team continues to work with the City of Fernie, Interior Health, and other agencies and will provide any additional information as it becomes available.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to Interior Health for immediate concerns regarding water quality at [email protected].

e-KNOW file photo

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