A boil water notice issued for Mesachie Lake water system users that was in place for more than a week was rescinded Wednesday morning, Sept. 20.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District and Island Health issued the notice on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 8.
During routine sampling a higher than normal total coliform (non-fecal) count was found at the dead end of one waterline, a CVRD press release explained on Monday, Sept. 11.
An update on Sept. 13 said lab testing results from Sept. 11 still contained traces of non-coliform bacteria.
Another update on Thursday, Sept. 14 said a sample taken on Tuesday showed the same results and the boil notice was continued.
“Discussions took place today, Sept. 14, 2023, with the Environmental Health Officer, and a decision was made that permanent disinfection is required,” the CVRD press release said. The system was chlorinated with the minimum requirement of 0.2 mg/l as a result.
The CVRD resampled once the chlorine made its way through the water system. It took a few days for that to happen. Then two consecutive days of lab results with no contaminants were required before the boil notice could be lifted.
The CVRD resampled on Monday and Tuesday of this week and tests were clear.
“The Cowichan Valley Regional District thanks the Mesachie Lake water system residents for their patience,” the CVRD said in their final update on Sept. 20.
During the boil notice, residents were told to bring all water used for domestic purposes to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use.