Boil Water Advisory - Update

WHITE ROCK, BC, Aug. 25 /CNW/ - As a public health precaution, EPCOR and the Fraser Health Authority are advising residents in the City of White Rock to continue to boil their drinking water for at least one minute before drinking. This precautionary measure should be followed until further notice.

The health authority advises that there were no reports of illnesses related to water quality when the boil water notice was issued. There has also been nothing over the weekend to suggest that there has been an outbreak of illness due to this event.

EPCOR continues to work on confirming the source of E. coli and the work underway includes cleaning and inspection of all three system reservoirs.

On August 23 and 24, the Merklin Low Reservoir was drained so that EPCOR could physically inspect it for the presence of a source of E. Coli. The reservoir was found to be structurally sound, and nothing was found to suggest an "intrusion" by a small animal of some kind. E. Coli was detected in three water samples taken from the reservoir as it was being drained.

Refilling of the Merklin Low Reservoir began on August 25 at 4 a.m. It will take approximately 15 hours to complete this procedure. EPCOR anticipates the reservoir will be completely refilled by 7 p.m. Following this, water sampling of the reservoir will take place.

Once the Merklin Low Reservoir is back in service the same procedures will be repeated for the Merklin Tall Reservoir and the Roper Site Reservoir.

In addition to the reservoir cleaning and inspection, extensive water sampling and flushing of the water distribution system has continued.

EPCOR continues to work around the clock, along with Fraser Health and The City of White Rock, to restore White Rock's drinking water system. Thanks for your continued patience.

As we continue to work on the system, residents and businesses should take steps to prepare for the continuation of the Boil Water Advisory through the weekend. This includes:

    
    -   Boiling water for at least one minute at a full boil before drinking
        the water.
    -   Boiled water should be used for hand washing dishes, for washing
        vegetables or for anything else you eat or drink.
    -   Ice cubes should not be used unless they have been made with boiled
        water.
    -   Boiled water should also be used for brushing teeth and cleaning
        dentures.
    -   Your tap water remains safe for washing clothes and bathing.
    

EPCOR is working closely with Fraser Health and we will continue to inform the community of any changes in this situation.

Current updates are available on the EPCOR website at www.epcor.ca/whiterock and on the EPCOR phone line: 604-536-6112.

For further information: EPCOR White Rock Media, Scott Lundy, 604-837-2750