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Water Turbidity

Today's Turbidity Level:

WATER UTILITY - TURBIDITY EDUCATION CAMPAIGN:
The City of Salmon Arm is working with Interior Health to deliver a Turbidity Education and Notification Campaign that will better inform water users. In keeping with provincial regulations, the campaign requires the City to notify their customers of elevated turbidity levels (cloudiness in the water). Science has proven that as turbidity levels rise, the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses such as Salmonellosis and Giardiasis also increases - particularly for at-risk populations such as children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites can attach themselves to the suspended particles in turbid water. These particles can then interfere with disinfection by shielding contaminants from the disinfection (e.g. chlorine).

Turbidity is defined as “Fine suspended particles of clay, silt, organic and inorganic matter, plankton, and other microscopic organisms that are picked up by water as it passes through a watershed or are deposited into a lake.” The Turbidity Index is a messaging tool designed to notify customers of current turbidity levels and, therefore, the relative risk of drinking water. The Index shows whether water is Good (<1 NTU), Fair (1-5 NTU) or Poor (>5 NTU).

Water provided to customers by the City, for 99.9% of the year is considered “GOOD” (i.e. turbidity under <1 NTU), however, during spring freshet and other periods of extremely heavy rainfalls, the turbidity index may deteriorate to “FAIR”.

The City is committed to providing clean fresh quality drinking water to the citizens of Salmon Arm. As part of this commitment we will be notifying customers of turbidity levels. Methods of notification will include the City website, newspapers, radio, public notices, etc.

When turbidity levels exceed the 1 NTU standard recommended in the federal Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, the City of Salmon Arm will issue a WATER QUALITY ADVISORY (WQA). While health risks during a WQA are considered very low, the City of Salmon Arm and Interior Health Authority recommend that children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone seeking additional protection drink boiled water or a safe alternative. For these at-risk populations, water intended for drinking, washing fruits or vegetables, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute.

In addition, safe alternatives to tap water include inspected/approved bottled or distilled water, or water filtered through a well-maintained treatment device.

The City is currently designing a water treatment plant (construction to start in 2007) which will result in water quality delivery well below 1 NTU.

If you have any questions, contact the City at 250.803.4000

FAQ's about Turbidity

Turbidity Education and Notification Campaign - Update

Interior Health - Turbidity Website