Greater Vernon Water (GVW) advises customers supplied by the Goose Lake non-potable water source that the presence of cyanobacteria, a harmful blue-green algae, was identified in the lake through routine sampling. The numbers present were above safe levels for animal and livestock consumption. As a result, the Goose Lake water source was turned off temporarily. Treatment with copper sulphate occurred on Monday, June 20, 2022 and after sampling confirms copper levels meet standards, the source will be turned back on. Turn on is planned for Monday, June 27 but may be as early as Saturday, June 25 if necessary.
The occurrence of a harmful algae bloom is common and GVW is not always able to turn Goose Lake off or guarantee timely treatment.
It is the customer’s responsibility to provide a safe water supply for animals and livestock and ensure on-site non-potable water sources are clearly labeled on the property. Non-potable signage can be downloaded for free from www.rdno.ca/agwater (under the Non-Potable Water tab).
Additional information on Cyanobacteria Blooms (Blue-Green Algae) is available at HealthLinkBC: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/cyanobacteria-blooms-blue-green-algae
Additional information on algae is available on the Ministry of Environment’s Algae Watch website:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-quality/algae-watch
Where can I find updates?
Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news (filter by Water Notices). You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe. Agricultural water customers can sign up to receive specialized text, email, or voicemail supply alerts at https://www.rdno.ca/agwater (bottom right of webpage).
If you have any questions, please contact the RDNO Utilities Department at 250-550-3700.