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Osoyoos Times Staff
The Town of Osoyoos and the Interior Health Authority are advising users of Irrigation District System 9 that E. Coli bacteria was discovered within the system
Weekly water sampling on April 14, 2020 detected the bacteria.
“Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps and associated headaches. E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes,” reads a statement from the Town of Osoyoos.
“Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely-compromised immune systems. These symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.”
The town crew will continue to chlorinate and flush the areas in and around System 9 and have added additional sampling to determine the extent of the problem. Town staff will also be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the contamination.
“As you know there is currently a boil water notice already in place. We ask that you continue to boil your water for at least one minute.”
The Town of Osoyoos stated residents will be informed when there is no bacteria in the system, however residents will have to continue boiling water until the end of irrigation season as they do every year.
“We anticipate resolving the problem within the next week or two,” the town stated.
For more information, contact the Operational Services Department at 250-495-6213 or email us at [email protected].
For a map of Water System 9 click here.
