Dear Residents,
 

We want to thank everyone for their patience, concern, and feedback during the current Boil Water Advisory.  We know this situation has been unsettling, and we are providing this update to explain what has occurred, what we are doing, and how we communicated the advisory.

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Why the Advisory Was Issued

During routine testing, a high total coliform bacteria count was detected in an isolated section of our water system. Total coliform is a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment. While not necessarily harmful themselves, their presence can signal potential issues with water system integrity or possible contamination.

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Importantly, this is not a result of contamination in the aquifer or water source itself. The issue appears to be localized within a specific part of the distribution system, and we are working diligently to address it through flushing and resampling.

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As a precautionary measure, the local Health Department issued a Boil Water Order to protect public health while we complete this process.

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Timely Response and Comprehensive Notification

We have received both compliments and concerns regarding how the notification was handled, and we would like to clearly outline the response.
 

1. The operator discovered the issue at approximately 3:00 p.m.

2. The Chair of the Board was immediately notified, and the Emergency Response Plan was activated without delay

3. Signage was placed at major access/exit routes of the community

4. The official Boil Water Order was received from the Health Department at 3:47 p.m.

5. The Administrator coordinated all electronic notifications, including:

   1. Updating the website by 4:00 p.m.

   2. Sending emails to residents by 4:25 p.m.

   3. Making phone calls to those without email access

6. At the same time, the Chair organized a door-to-door notification effort to ensure that every household was directly informed, including those who may not have access to electronic communications. Pre-printed copies of the Boil Water Notice are kept on hand at the District shop to ensure immediate availability for distribution in the event of an emergency.
    

We want to emphasize that the door-to-door notifications were a deliberate and essential step to ensure no one was missed. This personal outreach effort reflects our strong commitment to community safety and communication.
 

Health Concerns and Water Use

We have heard from some residents concerned that recent illnesses may be linked to the water. At this time, there is no confirmed link between the water system and any reported illnesses. In fact, similar flu-like symptoms have been reported in other areas not connected to our water district, including members of our own families.

We also understand many are wondering about the impact on animals. While the advisory applies to human consumption (drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food), most healthy pets and livestock (dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, etc.) are generally not at risk from the types of bacteria involved in this advisory. However, if you have vulnerable or immunocompromised animals, you may choose to provide them with boiled or bottled water out of caution.

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Is It Safe to Bathe or Shower?

Yes. Under a Boil Water Advisory, it is safe to bathe or shower, even if total coliform bacteria are present – as long as you avoid swallowing the water.

For young children, sponge baths using boiled and cooled water are recommended, and they should be closely supervised.

For those with open wounds, recent surgeries, or weakened immune systems, take extra precautions or consult a healthcare provider.
 

What’s Happening Now

1. The water system is undergoing extensive flushing

2. A new sample will be taken on Monday morning, followed by a second 24-hour sample on Tuesday morning.

3. If both results are satisfactory, the Boil Water Notice will be lifted pending confirmation of test results and at the direction of Island Health.  We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
    

Final Thoughts

We appreciate everyone who has reached out, whether with praise or criticism. We took this situation seriously and acted swiftly, responsibly, and with the safety of the community at the heart of every decision. Your feedback helps us do better, and we remain committed to transparency and accountability throughout this process.

Please continue to boil water for drinking, food preparation, and brushing teeth until further notice. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us directly.

Thank you for your understanding, trust, and cooperation.