Horse Lake's water system has been placed under a boil water notice.
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) stated in a release on Wednesday, Sept. 18 that they have issued a boil water notice to users of the Horse Lake Water System effective immediately. This was done "as a result of recent firefighting activities draining the reservoir below 35 per cent" according to the release, with substantial sediment being stirred up and pressure not being maintained. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Users of the water system are being asked by the CRD to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute before using it for drinking, cooking (if not boiled), brushing teeth, washing dishes, washing fruits or vegetables to be eaten raw and watering animals. In addition, the CRD is asking users to use hand sanitizer after washing their hands.
The water system is also under a Water Quality Advisory for manganese concentrations which "exceed the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines" according to the release - with boiling water potentially increasing the manganese level in the water. The CRD is advising people to use an alternative source of water, such as bottled water for preparing baby formula for infants and food or drinks for young children.
Those with further questions are asked by the CRD to call Environmental Services at 1-800-665-1636 during regular office hours.
