Boil Water Advisory Still in Effect for Eastbourne

The boil water advisory for residents served by the Eastbourne Water Service remains in effect. The advisory was issued late last week after elevated levels of bacteria were detected in the water.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has received questions from the community and is providing the following update.

Water in Holding Tanks

Regardless of whether a holding tank was filled before or after the advisory was issued, residents should continue to boil water before use and follow the guidelines outlined below.

Water Testing

Additional chlorination has been carried out to address the elevated bacteria levels in the water system. Recent test results indicate that bacteria levels have decreased. However, residents are advised to continue to boil their water until Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) officially lifts the advisory.

Next Update

The boil water advisory will remain in effect throughout the weekend while additional water testing is completed. Further testing is required before VCH can determine whether the advisory can be lifted.

The SCRD anticipates providing another update on Monday, October 19.

Boil water advisory – what you need to do

The following general precautions should be followed when there is a boil water notice in effect.

Residents are asked to:

• Fill a pot with water.
• Heat the water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the pot to the top.
• Keep heating the water for one more minute.
• Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
• Pour water into a clean, sanitized container with a cover for storage.

Customers should use boiled water that has cooled or bottled water for:

• Drinking
• Brushing teeth
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Preparing food and baby formula
• Making ice
• Giving to pets

Water that has not been boiled can be used for

• Laundry
• Showering/bathing
• Watering plants/flowers
• Cleaning

SCRD utility staff are continuing to investigate the cause of the elevated bacteria levels. For your safety, please continue to follow these precautions until further notice.