A worried but polite crowd of 18 residents from the Canim Lake Estates gathered in the Forest Grove Community Hall on Jan. 15 to discuss with the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) the possible chemical contamination of their water system.
On Jan. 9, a Do Not Use Water notice was issued by the CRD for the more than 30 homes in the subdivision at the west end of Canim Lake.
In late December, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) liner was installed at the top of the main reservoir as part of a project to replace the roof of the tank, which has been in service for more than 30 years. The liner was used to separate the water from the treated material of the new roof.
Late on Jan. 8, the first formal complaints about the water having a strong chemical odour were made to the CRD.
Early on Jan. 9, the operator was on site. He confirmed the odour and found that a drink left a burning sensation in the throat.
Rapid-fire contacts with the project engineers uncovered that a wrong liner, not certified for domestic water use, had been installed. After consultation with a medical health officer, the Do Not Use Water notice was issued, and that afternoon, fan-out phone calls and visits to residents started.
At the time of the meeting, the exact source of the contamination was yet to be determined. Samples of the water have been submitted for testing and results are expected back shortly.
The meeting was organized by CRD Area H Director Margo Wagner and included a panel of health, CRD, and project engineering representatives.
Residents expressed worry about the health effects of the water that was consumed over several days, especially for young children and a baby in the womb. Some said they felt ill after using it.
The CRD committed to deliver the results of the testing to people by flyer and e-mail as soon as they are available, and then will convene another meeting to answer further questions.
The CRD has since organized a system for the delivery of potable water for drinking and cooking, and have made arrangements for a showering facility. Residents may use the water for sanitation and clothes washing.
Meanwhile, the water system is being continually flushed. It is expected that repairs to the reservoir and final testing will take until the end of January. The current Do Not Use Water Notice will remain in effect until that time.
At the closing, a resident thanked the CRD for its fast and decisive reaction to the emergency.