SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 – PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – Prince Rupert residents and businesses are advised that a Boil Water Notice is now in effect for Prince Rupert until further notice. A Boil Water Notice means that residents and water system users must heat the water to a rapid boil for at least 1 minute then cool and place in a food grade storage container. This must be done in advance of consumption for brushing teeth, drinking and cooking, washing vegetables for consumption raw, and making ice. Use of water for bathing and washing clothes is considered safe without boiling.
High turbidity levels have been detected in the drinking water supply. High turbidity (cloudiness) levels may occur in surface water sources due to seasonal weather changes causing excessive surface runoff, flooding, heavy rain events and spring melt. A high turbidity level may impair the effectiveness of the disinfection treatment system. If disinfection is impaired, disease-causing microorganisms may escape into the water distribution system resulting in an increased risk of intestinal illness.
The City of Prince Rupert is working diligently with Northern Health to safely lift the notice as soon as possible. We thank you for your patience with this matter and will provide updates on our progress as soon as they are available.
Owners of public facilities are requested to post Boil Water Notices at all sinks or drinking water fountains accessible to the public, alternatively, public fountains and taps should be turned off). As opportunities arise they must also advise their clientele verbally of the Boil Water Notice.
We also ask that residents please share this information with your neighbours.
The City has sent this notice to local media and directly to residents via our municipal app and Connect Rocket emergency alert program. If you or someone you know have not subscribed to these services, please do so at www.princerupert.ca/emergency.
Operations Department
Telephone: (250) 624-6795 extension 2 - 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
(250) 624-3000 - After 4:30 pm and Weekends including Statutory Holidays
Email: works@princerupert.ca
Media Contact
Northern Health
Toll Free Media Line: 1 877 961 7724
Rosa Miller, Corporate Administrator
City of Prince Rupert
(250) 627-0963
rosamaria.miller@princerupert.ca