Drinking water caution for those impacted by flooding

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• Well Water Testing (this information is also applicable to surface water sources).
• Disinfecting Drinking Water