PRINCE RUPERT, DECEMBER 5th, 2024 – In coordination with Northern Health, the City must extend its Boil Water Notice over the holiday break to address risks associated with the onboarding of a new water supply main and to ensure water testing shows the system is consistently meeting quality standards.
“Council reminds staff regularly of how hard it is for people and businesses to manage boil water mandates - particularly during the holidays,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “We have a complex system made even more challenging by the remote water supply. While some disruptions are necessary to fix our failing water system, they need to be kept to a bare minimum. The current disruption is linked to one of our more challenging replacement areas, and addressing this issue is a critical part of moving forward with the overhaul of water distribution lines.”
The initial Boil Water Notice issued November 25th was the result of a generator failure at the City’s remote water supply. The City has relied on a generator for the past 2 months due to a failure in the BC Hydro line that services the water supply’s chlorination station. Although the water itself is transferred through a gravity-fed pipe, power is needed to maintain operation of the chlorination injection system that disinfects the water. The City has sourced a temporary generator and is awaiting a permanent replacement that was ordered following the failure. Once installed, this will support a more reliable power supply to operate the disinfection system.
Recently, the City also became aware that due to the installation of the new water supply main, there is an isolated section of pipe where water has sat too long. This water has the potential to be reintroduced to the water supply. Given this risk, the Boil Water Notice will need to remain in place. Over the coming weeks, the City and Northern Health will work together to review the risks as well as plans to address them and ensure that treatment objectives are being met before the notice can be assessed for removal.
We appreciate the community’s continued patience while critical repairs are conducted on our water distribution system. For more information on upcoming capital improvements to our water supply infrastructure, go to engage.princerupert.ca/big.
What to do in a Boil Water 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.
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 https://princerupert.connectrocket.com/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement & Social Development
City of Prince Rupert
Office: (250) 627 0976
Email: communications@princerupert.ca