By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Town of Osoyoos is issuing a Water Quality Advisory for elevated manganese levels affecting all users connected to the Town water system until further notice and added that it represents a “modest” health threat.
This advisory also applies to water users in RDOS Area A (Systems 8 and 9) who receive their water through the Town of Osoyoos water system.
Manganese in the water supply has been measured between 0.125-0.159 mg/L which exceeds Health Canada’s Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) of 0.12mg/L.
The Town noted that according to Health Canada, increased levels of manganese may contribute to adverse health effects on the nervous system, especially in infants.
Those who may need additional protection from manganese include infants and young children and people wishing to seek additional protection.
The Town also noted that a Water Quality Advisory is issued when there is a potential chemical or physical risk to the consumption of tap water but added the advisory is used in situations where the general public health threat is modest.
Exposure through skin contact is not harmful, the Town said. Exposure through hand washing, showering, or bathing from water with manganese is unlikely to be significant. “Inhalation of manganese aerosols during showering has not been directly evaluated but it is not expected to pose any risk to human health.”
Residents are advised to use an alternate safe source of drinking water (i.e. bottle water) for preparing baby formula for infants and young children during this time. Residents are also advised not to boil water as that will not remove the manganese and may increase the concentration.
The water may have increased discoloration or sediment during this time, the Town advised. If you experience dirty water, the town advises running cold water taps only and/or garden hose until the water runs clear.
In addition, residents should check the water quality before laundering of clothing during this time to minimize potential staining or discoloration.
Business owners and operators (including restaurants, accommodation providers, and public facilities) are responsible for notifying their customers of the Water Quality Advisory.
The public can contact Operational Services at 250-495-6213 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
For more information visit the Town of Ososyoos’ water advisory page.
