Water Quality Advisories in Effect

Update: August 23, 2024

Due to technical issues, the online water quality advisory information session, mentioned in the news release below did not post to YouTube. In order to ensure that the information provided in the session in early August is available to the community, staff from the SCRD and VCH have re-recorded the session and it is available to view by clicking here.

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Original News Release

Recent changes from Vancouver Coast Health (VCH) have resulted in the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) issuing water quality advisories for some water users on SCRD water systems.

These water quality advisories are in place in the Cove Cay water service year-round and in Sandy Hook / Tuwanek during Stage 3 and Stage 4 water conservation regulations. The Sandy Hook / Tuwanek area is currently in Stage 2 Water Conservation Regulations.

The water quality advisories have been brought into effect because Cove Cay is serviced by surface water from Ruby Lake, and during Stage 3 and Stage 4, Sandy Hook / Tuwanek will be serviced by surface water from Gray Creek. These water sources do not receive ultraviolet light treatment so VCH has advised the SCRD that advisories must be issued.

Affected residents will be informed directly by mail in the coming days. These mailouts can be found linked below.

Cove Cay
Click to view mailout for Cove Cay
Click to view map of affected area.

Sandy Hook / Tuwanek (only in place during Stage 3 / Stage 4 Water Conservation Regulations)
Click to view mailout for Sandy Hook / Tuwanek
Click to view map of affected area.

Information contained in these mailouts is also listed below.

Why is this being done now, why has it not been in place before?

All across VCH other water systems in this situation (with surface water and only one form of treatment) have been requested to issue Water Quality Advisories for users on these systems.

In recent years, there has been a push from VCH’s Regional Water Safety Committee for consistency of application of Water Quality Advisories.  This undertaking was done in consultation and review by VCH Medical Health Officers.  Issuance of Water Quality Advisories under these circumstances is widely considered a best practice in risk management.

What does a Water Quality Advisory mean?

A Water Quality Advisory means the risk is low, however some water users are advised to take extra precautions when ingesting the water.

Who should take extra precautions?

For individuals with very weak immune systems or pregnant, the increased health risks associated with protozoa parasites can have serious, even life-threatening, implications which makes it imperative for them to adhere to this Water Quality Advisory.

What should these people do?

Water intended for the following uses should be brought to a full boil for one minute and cooled prior to use:

• Drinking
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Making beverages or ice
• Brushing teeth

Alternatively, water may be obtained from another source which has been fully treated (e.g. commercially bottled water).

What is being done to improve water treatment for at Gray Creek and Cove Cay?

A project is underway to look at potential upgrades to the treatment plant at Gray Creek. In 2022, a three-year study was launched to gather creek flow data, update watershed modelling, and assess the viability of the water source through a climate change lens. The results of this study will be completed in 2025 and presented to the SCRD Board for consideration.

A project is underway to confirm and design the required upgrades to the water treatment at Cove Cay. The design for upgrades to water treatment will go to tender in the coming weeks and construction of these upgrades will be completed in 2025.

Information Session

The SCRD and VCH will host an information session for residents who may have further questions about the water quality advisories. Details on this session are below.

Date: Wednesday August 7, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join by clicking here. Watch the session by clicking here.

Further information and advice can be found at HealthLinkBC.