Water customers in Oyama are now being supplied water from Kalamalka Lake.
The District of Lake Country intends to continue to supply Kalamalka Lake water to all customers in Oyama until irrigation season starts and water demands increase. When irrigation season starts, it will be necessary to switch customers that have historically received water from the Oyama Lake source to that supply.
"Weather dependent, we hope to avoid supplying water from Oyama Lake during spring runoff when water quality experiences elevated turbidity," said Greg Buchholz, operations manager.
"Users that historically have relied on the Kalamalka Lake source should expect to receive water from Kalamalka Lake throughout the year on a continuing basis."
Water users familiar with Oyama Lake supply may notice a change to the water which will be clear and without colour but harder due to the presence of minerals (calcium carbonate).
"The hardness level is still in the low to moderate range and well within the guideline of the Canadian Drinking Water Quality specifications as an aesthetic consideration only. No health concerns are associated with hardness," said Buchholz.
The Kalamalka Lake water source remains on a water quality advisory due to turbidity:
Turbidity is a measure of how clear or cloudy the water is and NTU is the unit it is measured in. Particles can interfere with the disinfection process and may reduce chlorines effectiveness. Turbidity in the good and fair range are invisible to the human eye.
The water quality is rated as fair.
Health risks increase as turbidity rises, particularly for at-risk populations such as newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites can attach themselves to the suspended particles in turbid water. These particles can then interfere with disinfection, limiting chlorine’s ability to remove or inactivate the contaminants.
Who should take these precautions?
- Children
- The elderly
- People with weakened immune systems
What should these customers do?
Until further notice, water intended for the following uses should be boiled for one minute and then refrigerated in a clean, covered container:
- Drinking
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Making beverages or ice
- Brushing teeth