Health & Wellness

Drinking water caution for those impacted by flooding

It’s that time of year when the weather has warmed up and the snowpack is rapidly melting, causing some localized flooding in communities across Interior Health. 

Flooding causes devastation to infrastructure, municipal and personal property, but it can also have major health implications, such as contaminated water. Residents impacted by flooding need to be aware of the potential risks associated with drinking water at this time. 

“Roaring streams and high water in the spring are normal for folks in the B.C. interior, but our changing climate is resulting in increased frequency and severity of flooding in our region,” says Interior Health’s Manager of Drinking Water Systems Program Ivor Norlin. “Knowing where your water comes from and who provides it to your home is important for ensuring you’re quickly informed of possible drinking water health hazards.”

Health risks with drinking water in flood zones

When it comes to drinking water in a flood zone, everyone can potentially be impacted, but it’s those with compromised immune systems and chronic illnesses, infants, and older adults who are at higher risk and need to be more cautious.

Keep in mind that floods may significantly increase risk to your health with the potential for raw sewage, chemical contaminants, and debris to seep into water sources and take precautions.

Follow these tips for drinking water in a flood zone: 

  • Do not drink or use any water that has been contaminated with flood waters. Do not swallow water while you are showering or bathing. Your drinking water sources may need to be treated and tested before consumption can resume.
  • When cleaning your dishes, rinse them for a minute in diluted bleach (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water). If you are using a dishwasher, use the hot wash and dry cycle.
  • Many disease causing microbial agents such as E. coli may be present in water impacted by flooding. Wash your hands with soap after contact with flood waters or handling items that have come into contact with flood waters.

Public water system tips

  • Contact your supplier for information and pay attention to information shared by your local media such as community bulletins, newspapers, and local radio stations.
  • You can also visit your Regional District website to see if your drinking water is impacted by the flood.
  • Your water supplier may issue a Boil Water Notice or Do Not Consume advisory based on the health risks.

Private water system tips

  • Pay attention to notices and updates on the status of drinking water.
  • Do not drink or use water that has been impacted by floods. If there is any uncertainty about whether the water is safe to drink or not, seek out alternate sources such as bottled water.
  • Your drinking water source needs to be tested and may require treatment before consumption can resume.
  • Even if you are not feeling sick, your water may be unsafe.
  • Some contaminants found in impacted water cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, but can be harmful to your health.

Additional resources

For a current list of water advisories and notices, visit www.drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca/

For information on testing your water, check out HealthLink BC at:

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