Precaution: Scotch Creek Private Well Users

Interior Health (IH) is advising Scotch Creek private well users to take precautions following a large diesel spill that occurred at about 7:30 p.m. May 5 at a local gas station.

IH is recommending individuals who rely on private wells for drinking water to monitor their water for possible impacts. Diesel fuel has a very distinct odour and can be detected at very low concentrations in drinking water.

This would include dwellings south of and including:

• Butters Road
• Saratoga Road
• Kenwood Gate

If you notice any fuel odour or visible fuel (oily sheen - rainbow-colored film), IH recommends using an alternate water source for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, food preparation and bathing.

This is a precautionary measure, to the more than 200 private well users in the area, based on current information. We understand this may be concerning and IH will continue to closely monitor this situation in consultation with the Ministry of Environment and Parks. We will provide updates as more information is available.

Please check the Interior Health website for further updates.

• For more information on the spill response, visit the Ministry of Environment Parks website.
• More information for private water users can be found on IH’s website.
• If you have drinking‑water‑related questions about this incident, please email ea@interiorhealth.ca