A Boil Water notice has been issued for the Village of Ashcroft as of Thursday, March 21. This is due a turbidity level of 5.09 in the Thompson River. A turbidity rating higher than 5 triggers a Boil Water Notice.
All local businesses and stakeholders, including the hospital, are being informed; a mail drop is being sent to all residents; and media outlets in Ashcroft, Cache Creek, and Kamloops were given the information.
The Boil Water Notice, which indicates that the current water quality is rated Poor, will be in effect until further notice.
The Village took the step in conjunction with Interior Health as a precautionary measure for customers on the Village of Ashcroft water supply system. Testing has shown an increase in turbidity, or cloudiness, of the water. The risk increases as turbidity levels rise, particularly for at-risk populations such as newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
The notice means that all customers should be careful when ingesting the water. Owners of all public facilities must post Boil Water Notices at all sinks or drinking water fountains available to the public, or turn them off so they cannot be used. As opportunities arise, they must also advise their clientele verbally of the Boil Water Notice.
As a precaution in times of Poor water conditions, all water intended for any of the following uses should be boiled for one minute: drinking; washing fruits and vegetables; making beverages or ice; and brushing teeth. Washing dishes in the water, taking showers or baths in it, or washing clothes in it does not pose a health risk.
Interior Health has been consulted, and the public will be notified when conditions change. For more information check the Village of Ashcroft’s website at www.ashcroftbc.ca, call the Village Office at (250) 453-9161, or call the Interior Health Drinking Water Officer at (250) 851-7322.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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