Advisory of the Day

brought to you in part by

KOOTENAY, BC, BLEWETT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: DON'T FORGET YOUR LUNCH KIT, OR YOUR WATER BOTTLE

The water fountains are still attached to the walls of Blewett Elementary School in the Kootenay region of BC interior, but the children are reminded not to drink from them.

Boil Water Notices are posted at each water fountain. An active Water Quality Advisory from Interior Health shows the reason for the advisory as "insufficient treatment or disinfection residual", along with "unapproved water supply system or construction works".



Susan Duncan is the media spokesperson for BC Interior Health, stating via email, "Yes, the school falls under the Drinking Water Protection Act, which means Interior Health inspects and monitors the system. Typically, school districts are the operators of the system. Once a problem is identified, Interior Health works with the operator to solve the problem."

Local parents say the water quality issue here might be related to the creek source. It could also be the case that aged plumbing impacts the water quality results at the fountains and taps.

The thirtieth annual school fundraiser, a community Halloween party, has filled classroom piggy banks for another year, providing some extra supplies and spring field trips for the students. Upgrading the water system does not appear to be forthcoming for the Blewett Elementary, at least not any time soon.

gillian@watertoday.ca