September 12th, 2025 - The City continues to face challenges with maintaining consistent water quality across the distribution system. While staff have made progress through measures like system flushing, these steps alone have not fully resolved the issue. City staff, working alongside external experts to help stabilize the system and are moving forward with its design and planning. This work is complex and will take time to implement, and timelines may be difficult to predict as we work through technical and operational challenges.
At the same time, the City is exploring longer-term solutions to improve water quality and reliability for the community. These efforts will require significant planning and investment, and City Council and senior staff will be advocating for provincial support at the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities conference to help fund these future upgrades. We appreciate the community’s patience as we continue to work through these issues and are committed to providing updates as progress is made.
BACKGROUND:
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 sent this notice on August 6th 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement & Social Development
City of Prince Rupert
Office: (250) 627 0976
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca