Fairmont Cold Spring Creek boil water notice

Downgraded May 22 –

This notice affects customers serviced by Cold Stream Creek – residences on the Mountain Side of the Highway at Fairmont Hot Springs.

Status update

Under direction from Interior Health Corix Multi-Utility Services Inc. has lifted the BOIL WATER NOTICE and issued a precautionary WATER QUALITY ADVISORY for the Cold Spring Creek Water System at Fairmont Hot Springs effective immediately. Testing shows that current water quality is FAIR due to increased turbidity, or cloudiness. Health risk increases as turbidity levels rise.

Corix Multi-Utility Services Inc. 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 and vegetables, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute.

Corix Multi-Utility Services Inc. 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.

For more information on turbidity levels and this advisory please see contact details at the end of the article.

Original notice

Please be advised that due to increased turbidity Corix Multi-Utility Services is issuing a precautionary “boil water notice” for the Cold Spring Creek Water System at Fairmont Hot Springs. This notice is in effect as of 7:30am, May 20, 2009. Corix Multi-Utility Services will notify you when lifted as directed by the Public Health Inspector.

If you have any questions or concerns please call Corix Multi-Utility Services at 341-6158 or Kirt Sellers, Public Health Inspector at 342-2360.

How to use water safely during a “boil water notice.”

• How do I use water when the boil water notice has been issued?

The water should NOT be used for drinking, making infant formula and juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits, vegetables or brushing teeth. For these purposes, boiled water or bottled water should be used. The water should be brought to a rapid rolling boil and boiled for 2 minutes. If there are children in the home, place the pot on the back burner to avoid scalds. Boil only as much water in a pot as you can comfortably lift without spilling.

• Can I take a bath?

Adults and teens may shower with untreated water as long as no water is swallowed. Older children could also be given a shower with a hand held showerhead, avoiding the face. Younger children should be sponge-bathed instead of bathing in a tub because they are likely to swallow tub water.

• Can I use the water for hand washing?

Yes, there is no need for additional hand disinfection.

• I have a dishwasher – is it safe to use?

If your dishwasher has a hot setting, it safely disinfects dishes. If you dishwasher does not have a hot setting, after finishing the cycle, soak dishes for 1 minute in a solution of 1oz. (30 ml) of bleach mixed with 3 gallons of lukewarm water (13.5 litres). Let dishes air-dry.

• I wash dishes by hand, how do I disinfect them?

You could use boiled water for washing dishes. Dishes washed in soap and hot water can also be rinsed in boiled water or disinfected with the following bleach solution. Mix 1 oz. (30 ml) bleach into 3 gallons (13.5 litres) of water at room temperature for at least 1 minute. Let dishes air dry.

• What is disinfection?

Disinfection is a cleaning process, which destroys most disease-causing micro-organisms (pathogens).

• How do I disinfect countertops, chopping boards, or utensils, which have come into contact with raw meat?

Countertops, chopping boards or utensils, which have come into contact with raw meat, should be washed with soap and hot water first, and then disinfected with a bleach solution. Mix ¼ cup (about 60 ml) bleach into 1 gallon (4.5 litres) water for this purpose. Do not reuse or store this solution, but make it fresh daily.

• Should I change the way I am doing laundry?

No, continue doing laundry the way you usually do.

• I have a water filtration devise installed. Does this make the water safe for drinking or cooking?

No. Filtered water should also be brought to a rolling boil for 2 minutes before drinking or using it for cooking.

• What should I do after the boil water notice is lifted?

Run cold faucets for 1 minute before using the water. Run drinking fountains for 1 minute before using the water. Flush all garden hoses by running cold water through them for 1 minute. Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle. Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45C (normal setting is 60C).