WATER QUALITY ADVISORY - Russet Bluff Water System

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District has issued a water quality advisory, to the Russet Bluff Water System users pursuant to a request of a Drinking Water Officer under Section 14 of the Drinking Water Protection Act. This Advisory remains in effect until further notice.

The Cariboo Regional District's water systems are tested regularly to ensure they meet public health regulations. Scheduled maintenance of the Russet Bluff Water System will begin tomorrow, June 14 at 8 a.m. and continue through to Monday, June 19th. This Water Quality Advisory is being issued because the water supply for Russet Bluff water system is now being switched to the lower well. The lower well has manganese concentrations exceeding the Health Canada new maximum allowable concentrations.

---

Manganese (Mn) is an element found in air, food, soil and drinking water. While a small amount of Mn is essential for human health, new Health Canada research has shown drinking water with too much Mn can be a risk to health for infants and young children.

Infants and young children are the most sensitive and vulnerable population, as their bodies absorb more manganese and cannot regulate or remove the chemical as readily as adults and older children. As a result, the drinking water from this system must not be used to prepare formula for bottle-fed infants. An alternate source of safe drinking water, such as bottled water, must be used when preparing formula for infants and young children. Boiling the water will not lower the manganese level.

Breastfed infants are generally considered at lower risk to manganese exposure as the transfer of manganese to breast milk is limited. Pregnant or breastfeeding women who have concerns may wish to use a safe, alternate source of drinking water or consult with a healthcare professional.

---

 This notice remains in effect unless and until another public notice is issued upon the request of a Drinking Water Officer. If you have further questions, please call the Environmental Services department at 1-800-665-1636 during regular office hours.

For more information about boil water or water quality advisories and service interruptions in the CRD and what to expect, visit cariboord.ca/water-notices-and-advisories . To receive updates on CRD water systems and other relevant information within the CRD, residents are reminded to subscribe to the latest news on our website at cariboord.ca/subscribe.