The Corporation of the Village of Alert Bay (the Village) operates the water supply system that provides drinking water to Village residents, businesses, and visitors. Water quality in the system is monitored for bacteriological quality on a monthly basis by way of water samples obtained throughout the community, and results are reviewed by the Village and Island Health.
For decades, water quality has been acceptable, however, in June 2016 total coliform bacteria were detected in low numbers. The Village took action to correct this situation; however, samples continue to show the presence of these bacteria. While the water is currently safe to drink, total coliforms should not be present in drinking water and need to be removed in order to prevent other bacteria from entering the water supply system that may cause a risk to human health. As such, Island Health has directed the Village to disinfect the water system using chlorine at a low concentration that is safe to consume.
The Village has engaged a waterworks engineer to assist with determining the ideal method of treating the water system with chlorine so that it remains potable during the treatment process. The Village is planning to chlorinate the water supply between Thursday August 4 and Friday August 5. Water system users may notice the smell or taste of chlorine – this is normal, and the water is safe to consume. To assist in this process, the Village asks that residents draw water through their households during this time to help the chlorine come into contact with all parts of the distribution system. Turbidity (hazy water) may occur and is normal during this process.
We provide the following cautions:
• Chlorine kills fish. Residents with aquariums and fish ponds should not use chlorinated water to replenish tanks or ponds.
• Chlorine destroys reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Users of RO membranes should not introduce chlorinated water to RO systems.
• Chlorine renders hemodialysis ineffective. Kidney dialysis patients should not use chlorinated water in dialysis machines.
Thank you,
The Corporation of the Village of Alert Bay
Phone: 250-974-5213
Address: 15 Maple Road
Alert Bay, BC
V0N 1A0
The Village’s water sample history is available here: http://goo.gl/bvhyff