Image: Irinayeryomina / Dreamstime / Officials from Hope, BC's public works department issued a boil water advisory on Oct. 5, 2024 for residents in some areas of the municipality after E. Coli bacteria was discovered in the water supply.

By Don Mitchell

contaminated water

District of Hope issues boil water advisory after E. Coli bacteria discovered in some areas

Oct 5, 2024 | 9:13 AM

HOPE – Authorities in the District of Hope are advising residents in an area east of the municipality to avoid drinking tap water without boiling it first.

Public works officials say the recent discovery of E. coli bacteria in the water supply is behind the health risk.

The affected area includes portions of the district east of Richmond Drive, Kawkawa Lake Road, and 7th Avenue, roughly north and south between Kawkawa and the Hope-Princeton Highway.

Hope’s director of operations says the notice does not affect Silver Creek, Lake of the Woods, or East Kawkawa Lake. Private water systems are also not affected.

Image: District of Hope / A map of areas in Hope BC’s affected by an Oct. 5, 2024 boil water advisory.

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“This bacterial presence poses a health risk, especially for vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems,” the district said in a release.

Water should be boiled for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing ready-to-eat foods, washing dishes, or preparing infant formula.

Household water filters, such as Brita devices, will not effectively remove microbial contaminants, according to public works.

Bathing young children in a bathtub is not recommended.

“Boil water for two to three minutes (at a rolling boil). Use a kettle when possible and allow it to cool before use,” the district said.

“Consider using bottled water as an alternative.”

Recommendations for residents during the advisory period can be seen on the district’s website.