Vernon boil water notice will last at least until Friday Read it on Global News: CHBC Okanagan | Vernon boil water notice will last at least until Friday

Sunday, September 04, 2011 8:54 PM CHBC News:

Photo Credit: CHBC News , Julia Wong

  It is day two of a boil water notice for 25,000 Vernon residents, or two thirds of the city’s population. The notice was issued late afternoon Friday after higher then normal coliform levels were found in Kalamalka Lake. While the bacteria that was discovered does not cause illness, it is a sign of potential problems. Signs have been posted around affected neighborhoods advising people of the notice. “We can’t use the dishwasher because it’s not hot enough and so we are boiling the water and washing everything in the boiled water,” said Brian Harris, a resident in the area. Predator Ridge Golf Course also posted signs warning people of the notice, and the resort trucked in ice and served bottled water to guests. A coliform count of less than 100 is acceptable however, when the water source at Kalamalka Lake was tested Friday, the coliform count registered at 3,500. “We need to get three sets of samples in a row showing no coliform,” said Alan Cotsworth, Utilities Manager at the Regional District of North Okanagan. An internal test Sunday morning showed a count of zero, however Cotsworth said the earliest the notice could be lifted is Friday. There is no risk to boaters or swimmers who may be doing water activities on the lake.  Vernon boil water notice will last at least until Friday