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Boil water advisory issued for West Bench and Sage Mesa

Sage Mesa has been added to the boil water notice that West Bench Irrigation District received earlier this week.

Sage Mesa has been added to the boil water notice that West Bench Irrigation District received earlier this week.

Okanagan Lake with respect to the Sage Mesa water system is now at a poor rating on the turbidity index. In response to the increase, the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is upgrading the previous water quality advisory to a boil water notice effective immediately until further notice.

Testing has revealed that the current water quality is poor due to increased turbidity, or cloudiness. Health risk increases as turbidity levels rise.

The WBID, RDOS and Interior Health recommend that customers drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice. Water intended for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making juice or ice, or brushing teeth should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to use.

The RDOS reminds all business owners/operators (including bed and breakfasts), public facilities operators and landlords that it is the responsibility of said establishments to notify their customers and tenants of the boil water notice.

Officials contend the associated health risks are minimal, but children, elderly, people with weakened immune systems and anyone seeking additional protection should drink boiled water or a safe alternative.

For more information Sage Mesa customers can call 250-490-4135 and WBID customers should call 250-493-4117.