Sunday, August 24, 2014

Quesnel Lake Water Use Advisory

Courtesy of Interior Health:

Although test results continue to show that water sourced from Quesnel Lake is safe to drink, reports indicate that water quality is changing as lake water and the sediment plume shifts. Residents who source their water from Quesnel Lake may notice increased turbidity, sediment, and/or a change in taste or odour. In these cases, residents may wish to consider using alternate sources for their water. Specifically individuals are reminded they should not be drinking cloudy water. Point of use filters that are NSF certified (ie. commonly used systems in households drawing water from lakes or wells) will safely remove the suspended sediment.

Interior Health is continuously reviewing data provided by Ministry of Environment.

A Do Not Use order for drinking water, personal, and recreational use remains in effect for the impact zone directly affected by the by the Mount Polley Mine tailings pond breach which includes Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek, and on Quesnel Lake, but only the area within 100 metres of the visible sediment plume where Hazeltine Creek runs into Quesnel Lake. The public should also continue to refrain from using these waterways for recreational purposes. The Do Not Use order includes swimming and fishing. A map of the water restriction areas is available at http://bit.ly/1oI8rh6.

Please contact the IH Health Protection Office at 1-888-702-7771 for more information.

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