February 10, 2026
Water Quality Advisory – Questions & Answers
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What is the status of the water system?
The Boil Water Notice was downgraded to a Water Quality Advisory, following confirmatory testing and consultation with Northern Health. Testing confirmed that adequate chlorine residuals were present throughout the distribution system.
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What is the difference between a Water Quality Advisory and a Boil Water Notice?
A water quality advisory is the lowest-level notification. A Water Quality Advisory is issued when there is a minor issue with the water system and the overall risk to public health is low. The water is safe for normal household use, including drinking, cooking, and bathing. People who are more vulnerable, such as infants, seniors, or those with weakened immune systems, may choose to boil drinking water as a precaution.
A Boil Water Notice is issued when there is a potential health risk with the drinking water.
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What was the timeline of events?
Fri Feb 6 (approx. 5:00 PM): An issue occurred with the chlorine dosing system.
Sat Feb 7 (approx. 8:00 AM): The system restored and chlorine levels returned to normal
Within 24 hours: Confirmatory residual testing was completed. Based on these results, and in consultation with Northern Health, the Boil Water Notice was downgraded to a Water Quality Advisory.
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What caused the advisory?
An issue occurred with the chlorine dosing system on Friday, February 6. Following an investigation, it is suspected that a program update caused the chlorine alarm system to go offline.
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Why wasn’t door‑to‑door notification or an emergency alert used?
The District’s communication approach was reviewed and accepted by Northern Health following a joint risk assessment and focused on getting the message out as soon as possible. The situation was short‑term, resolved quickly, and considered low risk due to multiple treatment processes in place at the water treatment plant. Chlorine residuals in the water mains are used to protect water quality, not to treat contaminated water.
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When would door‑to‑door notification or emergency alerts be used?
If the risk to human health had been assessed as higher, the District would have escalated notification methods, including door‑to‑door delivery, emergency alerts, and other measures as appropriate.
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Is additional testing being done?
Yes. In addition to the District’s regular bi‑weekly testing program, additional bacteriological samples were taken on Monday, February 9, and Tuesday, February 10. Results are expected by the end of the week.
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Who should still boil their water?
People with weakened immune systems — including infants, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised — may wish to boil drinking water as an added precaution while the Water Quality Advisory remains in place.
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Will there be further updates?
Yes. The District will provide an update later this week once additional test results are received. Updates will be posted to social media, website, and a Public Service Announcement.
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