Status
Active
Residents may notice discoloured water in the Highland/Fernwood water system on Salt Spring Island due to a natural seasonal lake turnover in St. Mary’s Lake
The discolouration poses no health or safety risks and the water is safe to drink. Discoloured water may appear to have a slight yellow-brown tint, but it is considered an aesthetic issue and not a health or safety issue.
During this time of year, cooler temperatures cause the lake to mix from top to bottom, which can cause sediment to rise from the lakebed and move through the system. We anticipate that the discolouration of the water will dissipate within the next few weeks.
We will continue to monitor the water quality during this time.
Alert type
Drinking water
