Water Quality and Advisories
There are currently no water quality advisories in effect for the District of Summerland.
Public notification levels and their definitions
Water quality advisory
A water quality advisory is the lowest-level notification. A water quality advisory is used in situations where the public health threat is modest, and actions can be taken to reduce the risks by ways other than requiring a boil water notice or do not use water notice.
Boil water notice
A boil water notice is used in situations where the public health threat is significant and the nature of the threat is one that can be effectively addressed by boiling the water.
Water supply systems may remain on a boil water advisory for an extended period of time due to a substantial concern about the system’s treatment equipment or distribution infrastructure. Infrastructure changes are usually quite costly and require lengthy planning before they can become operational.
If you have a home filter system, you may still need to boil your water, depending on the particular circumstances of your water supply. Consult with your drinking water officer/contact for guidance.
Do not use water notice
A do not use water notice is the highest-level notification. It is used in situations where a significant public health threat exists and the threat cannot be adequately addressed through a water quality advisory or boil water notice.
For further information:
- https://drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca/files/Interior_Health_Water_Advisory_Signs_March_28_2018.pdf
- https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drinking-water/drinking-water-quality/notices-boil-water-advisories
In case of a Boil Water Notice
Being Prepared
- Make and store ice in advance.
- Have bottled water on hand.
- Have alcohol-based hand sanitizers (more than 60% alcohol) on hand to use after washing hands with soap and tap water.
Making Your Water Safe
To boil water
1. Fill a pot with water.
2. Heat the water until it comes to a rolling boil.
3. Let it boil for 1 minute (if above 2000 m or 6,500 ft. in elevation, boil for 2 minutes).
4. Turn off the heat and allow the water to cool.
5. Pour the water into a clean container with a cover for storage. Remember that containers may need to be sanitized before using them to store water safely.
Please note – Most kitchen and other household water filters typically do not remove bacteria or viruses.
To disinfect water
1. Make a sanitizing solution by mixing 2 drops (0.2 ml) unscented household liquid bleach in 1 liter (32 ounces / 4 cups / 1 quart) water.
2. Let stand for 20 minutes prior to consumption.
To make ice
1. Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers.
2. Throw out all ice made with tap water.
3. Make new ice with boiled, bottled or disinfected water.
Sanitizing Water Containers
Two options for sanitizing water storage containers are:
Option 1: Three-compartment-sink method of dishwashing
1. Soapy water for cleansing dishes in the first sink,
2. Clear water rinse in the second sink, and
3. 2-minute sanitizing soak in the third sink – 30 ml (1 oz.) bleach per 4 liters (1 gal.) water.
- In facilities where 3 sinks are not required (e.g. child care); a wash basin can be used as the third sink.
4. Air-dry the dishes before using or putting them away.
Option 2: Sanitizing individual containers
Prepare a sanitizing solution:
1. Use unscented bleach (bleach that does not have an added scent).
2. Make a sanitizing solution by mixing 5 ml (1 teaspoon) unscented household liquid bleach in 1 liter (32 ounces / 4 cups / 1 quart) water.
3. Pour this sanitizing solution into a clean storage container and shake well, making sure that the solution coats the entire inside of the container.
4. Let the clean storage container sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour the solution out of the container.
5. Let empty container air dry OR rinse it with clean water that has already been made safe, if available.
Preparing and Cooking Food
- Wash all fruits and vegetables with bottled water or boiled water that has cooled.
- Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before adding food to be cooked.
- Use boiled water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, lemonade, etc.
- Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.
Feeding Babies and Preparing Formula
- If breastfeeding, continue doing so.
- If breastfeeding is not an option:
o Use ready-to-use baby formula, or
o Prepare powdered or concentrated baby formula with bottled water. If you do not have bottled water, use water that has been boiled and cooled. If unable to boil water, use the ‘To Disinfect Water’ method above.
o Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use. If you cannot sterilize bottles, use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.
Washing dishes
Commercial dishwashers can be used if the dishwasher can sanitize with either hot water (82°C / 180°F) or with a chemical sanitizing solution.
Where commercial dishwashers aren’t required, household dishwashers are generally safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 66°C (150°F) or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle (refer to the owner’s manual).
Manual process:
1. Wash and rinse the dishes using hot water.
2. In a separate basin, add 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of unscented household liquid bleach for 4.5 liters (1 gallon) of water.
3. Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
4. Let the dishes air dry completely (i.e. 4 hours) before reuse.
Safe personal hygiene
- Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
- Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.
- Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use untreated tap water.
Laundry
It is safe to do laundry as usual.
Pets
Pets can also get sick from drinking contaminated water, so it is a good idea to give them water that has been boiled and cooled.
For general Boil Water Notice information:
For businesses:
More information can be found at:
- Government of Canada - Specific guidance for individuals impacted during a boil water advisory: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidance-issuing-rescinding-boil-water-advisories-canadian-drinking-water-supplies.html#a.6
- Local Health Unit: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/FindUs/_layouts/FindUs/By.aspx?type=Location
- Interior Health Public Website: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/Pages/default.aspx
- BC Health Files: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/services-and-resources/healthlinkbc-files/health-files-list
If you have questions regarding water quality, please contact the Utilities Department:
Phone: 250-494-0431
Fax: 250-494-3399
Email: water@summerland.ca
After hours emergency: 250-493-0005