District issues Water Quality Advisory

by Dave Preston | Peachland News
May 6, 2011

Spring frechette has begun and with it, warnings that turbidity in drinking water is rising.

The District of Peachland issued its annual Water Quality Advisory this morning, advising residents that drinking water in the municipality is now rated fair.

Turbid water has suspended particulate matter in it and is measured in nephlometric turbidity units (NTUs). Turbidity increases during spring runoff with increased volumes in mountain creeks.

The warnings comes as a result of rules instituted by the Interior Health Authority several years ago. Water receives a good rating if turbidity measurements are less than 1 NTU. From 1 NTU to 5 NTU, water receives a fair rating and above 5 NTU, water is rated as poor.

“While the associated health risks are minimal, Interior Health recommends that children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone seeking additional protection drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice,” states a district press release.

“For those at-risk populations, water in-tended for drinking, washing fruits or vegetables, making juice or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute,” states the release.

Turbidity measurements are posted every weekday on the district’s website, www.peachland.ca