The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has finished improvements of the water system in Blue River and the chlorination system will start Thursday, July 21.
The new system launch is taking place in conjunction with the annual system flushing and shock chlorination of the Blue River Community Water System, taking place Thursday, July 21, and Friday, July 22, according to a press release.
“This is a significant improvement for the Blue River Community Water System,” said Tyrone McCabe, manager of utility services for the TNRD. “Having a disinfection process in place for drinking water helps ensure water quality is maintained for our customers and prevents waterborne illnesses.”
Chlorine will now be added to Blue River’s water system, to protect water quality as the chemical prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and inactivates viruses and microorganisms that can cause serious illness if consumed. Health Canada suggests an operational range of free chlorine residual to be up to 5 milligrams per litre (mg/L). Most Canadian drinking water supplies maintain a chlorine level of no more than 2 mg/L.
Out of the 11 community water systems operated by the TNRD, the supply in Blue River was the only one without a disinfection process.
In 2018, a Level 2 Groundwater at Risk Assessment (GARP) was recommended in after the Blue River Master Plan was completed in the spring. The GARP was completed in 2019 and it was recommended the TNRD install a treatment process for the community’s water system.
The project was funded through the Canada Community Building Fund, along with funding from Trans Mountain.
For a list of frequently asked questions about drinking water chlorination, check out HealthLink BC’s fact sheet. Residents can also learn more about the TNRD’s community water systems by visiting their website (www.tnrd.ca/water-systems).
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
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