Residents on the Town of Osoyoos’ rural water systems 8 and 9 are being advised of a boil water notice, effective April 1 until November 16.
Because the water source is switching from ground water to Osoyoos Lake surface water, the Town and Interior Health are recommending individuals drink boiled water or a safe alternative.
“While the Osoyoos Lake water is chlorinated, the current disinfection process is not adequate to protect from bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens that may be present in the surface water source,” the Town states on its website.
Water intended for drinking, washing ready-to-eat foods, ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute.
Residents can check if they’re on water systems 8 and 9 by checking the account number on their annual utilities invoice. The first three digits would be either 008 or 009.
Interior Health has been consulted, and the public will be notified when conditions change or water quality has improved. the Town stated.
The Town of Osoyoos is in the process of separating irrigation lines from domestic lines to improve water quality. The public will be notified when these projects are completed.
More information and maps of the affected areas are available on the Town of Osoyoos’ website.
