Westbank reserve water OK to drink

The tap water on Westbank First Nation reserve No. 9 is safe to drink again without boiling.

On May 5, spring runoff and flooding conditions saw turbidity levels in the water spike, so the First Nation’s utilities department issued a boilwater notice. That meant people wanting to drink the water or use it to brush their teeth or wash food should have boiled the water for one minute and then cooled it.

Turbid water can contain bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal problems in some people.

On Friday, the First Nation lifted the boil-water notice and replaced it with a water-quality advisory.

What that means is the water still has some turbidity, but for most people it’s safe to drink.

However, it’s advised that people with immune system problems, chronic illnesses and those under 12 or over 65 years of age should avoid the tap water.

Such people have the option of continuing to boil water or using filtered, distilled or bottled water.

Any residents wanting free, safe water in bulk can fill up their own containers at the filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith roads. The tap is on the Asquith Road side. The water comes from the Powers Creek Treatment Plant, which uses the latest filtration, UV radiation and chlorination methods to make sure water is safe.

Also on Friday, the Mabel Lake Water Utility reduced its boil-water notice to a water-quality advisory.