The Town of Osoyoos issued a boil water notice starting April 1, for local water customers that are served agricultural irrigation systems 8 and 9.
The water source will be switched from groundwater (coming from a well source) to the Osoyoos Lake surface water supply.
At this time, The Town of Osoyoos and Interior Health are recommending people drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice.
The town advises that “agricultural Irrigation Systems 8 & 9 customers water intended for drinking, washing ready to eat fruits and vegetables, making beverages, ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute.”
The Osoyoos Lake water is chlorinated, however, the disinfection process currently in place may not be sufficient to remove all bacterial, viral and protozoan elements that could be present in the surface water source.
Additionally the town also warns people that they may see discoloured water because of Spring flows. In order to clear your water, they advise to flush your line by turning on an exterior tap or a bathtub tap and run cold water for about 10 to 15 minutes until the water clears.
The town states that they will issue and update as soon as conditions change.
To check if you are served by one of the systems impacted, please refer to the first three digits (008 or 009) on your annual utilities notice, or click System 8 or System 9.
