Residents may notice discoloured water in the Lyall Harbour-Boot Cove Water System on Saturna Island. The water remains safe to consume.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is advising customers of the Lyall Harbour/Boot Cove Water System that they may notice slight discolouration in their tap water due to elevated iron levels. The water remains safe to drink, and boiling is not required.
Iron levels are above Health Canada’s Aesthetic Objective, which relates to the water’s appearance and taste. However, water testing confirms the water continues to meet all other applicable drinking water health standards. Customers are advised to take care when doing laundry, as discoloured water may stain fabrics.
Iron occurs naturally in the sediments of Money Lake, one of the system’s water sources. Seasonal changes, particularly in spring and fall, can cause iron to enter the raw water supply from the lake sediments. This can result in discolouration after the water is disinfected with chlorine.
The CRD recognizes that changes in water appearance can be disruptive and appreciates customers’ understanding while the situation is closely monitored. Water quality testing will continue, and this advisory will be resolved once iron levels return to within Health Canada’s Aesthetic Objective.
