Important information about Boil Water Notices and Bleaching of Lines

BOIL WATER NOTICE

Interior Health has issued an indefinite Boil Drinking Water Notice in respect of Mirror Lake Water Users Community due to a higher than acceptable level of total coliforms in the water. All water to be consumed must be brought to a full rolling boil for at least one minute.

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. 
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WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEMS

People with very weak immune systems may be at higher risk of water-borne infections. To find out more, see Drinking Water and Those with Weakened Immune Systems. at BC Health Link


BLEACHING AND FLUSHING

Periodically you will be notified that the  distribution lines will be disinfected and flushed out.  This procedure can result in water being drawn out of homes, and if hot water tanks empty of water but the heating element remains on, the element could be damaged or burn out.  Turning off the water at the main valve is the best way to prevent back siphoning into the MLWUC distribution lines and to prevent damage to your water tank.  If for some reason you cannot turn off the main valve, you should shut off the hot water tank valve or at the very least, turn off the power to your hot water tank by switching off the breaker.