The freshet has begun and although Mark Creek through Kimberley is not running anywhere near as quickly as it will at peak melt, turbidity is already an issue.
Interior Health regulations require that municipalities put out water quality advisories or boil water notices when turbidity reaches certain thresholds.
Particles stirred up as rivers and streams run more quickly can carry disease.
Right now all of Kimberley, Marysville and Forest Crowne are under a water quality advisory and a boil water notice is in effect for Kimberley Golf Course, Riverside Campground, River Bend Lane, River Bend Road, River Ridge Way, Tamarack Lane and Sunflower Drive. The latter areas are those that are not switched over to the Mark Creek system.
A water quality advisory means the City and Interior Health recommend that children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and anyone seeking additional protection drink boiled water or a safe alternative. For these at-risk populations, water intended for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making juice or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute. Boiled water should then be refrigerated in a clean, covered container. Customers could also choose to use bottled or distilled water, or water that has been filtered through a well-maintained treatment device.
During a Boil Water Advisory, Interior Health recommends that all customers drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice. Water intended for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making juice or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute. Water should then be cooled and stored in a clean, covered container in the fridge. Customers may also choose to use bottled or distilled water, or water that has been filtered through a well-maintained treatment device.
You can keep up with the latest turbidity levels at kimberley.ca