Residents may notice discoloured water in the Highland/Fernwood water system on Salt Spring Island. The water remains safe to consume.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) advises customers of the Highland/Fernwood Drinking Water System that they may notice slight discolouration in their tap water. This may appear as a brownish or yellowish tint and is most visible against white surfaces such as bathtubs and washbasins. Although the water may be discoloured, it has been tested, remains safe for consumption and household use, and continues to meet all applicable health standards.
St. Mary Lake is currently experiencing elevated manganese concentrations and increased algal activity. While the existing treatment process at the Highland Fernwood Water Treatment Plant is successfully removing algae, staff are evaluating all options to limit the discolouration impact from manganese in the treated water leaving the plant.
A temporary intake which was activated on June 19 is currently drawing raw water with manganese content above the aesthetic objective but still well below Health Canada’s Maximum Acceptable Concentration. CRD Operations is monitoring, assessing, and adjusting the treatment process regularly to maximize the treatment effectiveness within plant limitations.
Lab samples are being taken on the required schedule as well as extra sampling to further understand this event. The CRD remains committed to providing the highest possible drinking water quality within the capabilities of the existing infrastructure and apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
