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New water advisory for North Thompson following diesel spill

This means no drinking, showering/bathing or brushing teeth if a fuel odour is detected
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Residents who get their water from the North Thompson River between 15 km north of Avola, south to the intersection of Highway 5 and Martin Creek Forest Service Road (roughly 11 km north of Vavenby), are advised to be alert and check their water for any signs of diesel fuel including sheen or fuel odour.

Another motor vehicle incident in the area on Jan. 5 involving a transport truck on Highway 5 has resulted in diesel contamination in the North Thompson River.

All residents in the affected area shouldn’t use the river water if it smells or tastes like fuel. This means no drinking, showering/bathing or brushing teeth if a fuel odour is detected.

Diesel fuel can be a health risk following ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption.

The Avola (Improvement District) isn’t impacted by this spill, however it remains on a pre-existing Boil Water Notice.

The Vavenby community water system isn’t impacted due to the distance from the crash site.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District will be providing bottled water and bulk water at the Vavenby Fire Hall until 6 p.m. for residents drawing water from the impacted area of the North Thompson River.

Interior Health will continue to work with the TNRD to monitor the water quality. The Ministry of Environment is also monitoring the situation.