A map of the properties located within the South End water system and included in the boil water advisory. Credit: Municipality of North Cowichan
The Municipality of North Cowichan has issued a boil water advisory for people who use the South End water system.
David Conway, director of engineering and operations for the Municipality of North Cowichan, said about 15,000 customers are being asked to boil their water for at least one minute before using it for domestic purposes, such as drinking, cooking or brushing teeth.
It is still safe to wash clothes and bathe in water without boiling it.
The advisory took effect on Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. after one count of E. coli, an indicator bacteria, was found during routine testing at one of the South End water system locations.
The South End water system is supplied by a ground water source near the Cowichan River.
“Subject to Island Health, we expect to be able to lift [the advisory] by Saturday evening,” Conway said.
As a precautionary measure, the South End water system is being chlorinated until further notice.
“We normally do ultraviolet treatment. As a result of this issue, we’ve started up our chlorination system as well,” Conway said.
According to Conway, the municipality may not find the cause of the isolated incident but they are checking around the reservoir site.
“We are checking our screens and any potential for an intrusion,” Conway said.
The municipality has provided an interactive map where residents and businesses can check if they are part of the South End water system. Properties in the red area are located in the water system and are included in the boil water advisory.
A list of addresses that fall under the boil water advisory has also been provided. North Cowichan residents living in Chemainus and Crofton, and residents who get water from the City of Duncan, are not affected by this advisory. Residents in the south end of the Cowichan Valley Regional District are also not under the advisory.
South End Boil Water Advisory
Alexa Huffman
