Health
The Province is advising residents that drinking-water wells in flooded areas of B.C. may be at risk of contamination.
If people get their water from a permitted community drinking-water supply system, the water supplier will provide information on the safety of the water. For those who own or are responsible for a private drinking-water well that has been affected by flooding, they need to assess their well and take action to protect the people who use water from the well.
Everyone must respect evacuation orders. Never re-enter the flood zone unless emergency management officials have indicated that you may do so.
The following resources will help assess and take appropriate action to ensure safe water:
Health Authority Resources
- Fraser Health: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/drinking-water/private-well-owners#.YZVco-n-iju
- Interior Health: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/natural-disasters-and-emergencies/floods-and-landslides (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)
- Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/drinking-water/drinking-water-monitoring-complaints
- Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/public-health/environmental-health-inspections/drinking-water
- Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/flood-information
- First Nations Health: https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/flood-safety-information (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)
Health authorities also provide advice on ensuring water is safe. Drinking Water Contacts for specific questions about your water quality:
Specific information on well water testing and disinfection:
- BC Health File: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/well-water-testing
- Ministry of Environment – Disinfecting wells: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/water-wells/bc_gov_5402_water_well_disinfection_webbrochure.pdf
General Information on flooding can be found here:
