Heavy demand by firefighting efforts for water in the Cariboo has prompted a water quality advisory for the Lac La Hache Water System. The advisory, issued under Section 14 of the Drinking Water Protection Act and in conjunction with the local Interior Health drinking water office, will remain in effect until further notice.
"Due to firefighting activities, the reservoir has unfortunately been drawn down to below 10 per cent twice in the last 24 hours and we need to do some sampling to ensure no transient backflow events contaminated the system," the advisory states.
People with weakened immune systems, young children and those on dialysis are advised to:
- Use purchased bottled water or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing food, and making ice, or
- Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute, then cool to an appropriate temperature before using.
When satisfactory results are reported from the required testing, customers will be notified that the advisory has been lifted.
Call the Environmental Services department at 1-800-665-1636 during regular office hours with any questions.