Welcome to Greater Vernon Water

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS
January 16, 2009

We have received confirmation from Interior Health Authority that the “DO NOT
DRINK” Water Notice has been downgraded to a “BOIL WATER” Notice in your
area west of Murphy Road on Highway 6. This does not mean that the water is
necessarily free of contamination. However, the risk and levels of contamination
are such that it is now safe to use the water for bathing, showering, washing
clothes and dishes.

Until further notice, please use a safe alternative or boil your water for at least
two minutes before the following uses:
• Drinking
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Making beverages or ice
• Brushing teeth

Prior to using this water, it is recommended that hot-water tanks, filtration
systems and other treatment devices be thoroughly flushed and disinfected as a
precaution. The instructions on the reverse of this page will provide guidance in
this regard.

Please note that the District of Coldstream will no longer be distributing bottled
water from the Coldstream Fire Hall.

Further testing will continue to determine when the Boil Water Notice can be
rescinded. Greater Vernon Water and the District of Coldstream thank you for
our patience and forbearance over this difficult period.

If you have any questions, please contact Greater Vernon Water at
250-550-3700. Staff will be available for inquiries from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
throughout the weekend and regular workdays. Please check the website for
information or further updates at www.rdno.ca or www.districtofcoldstream.ca.

PROCEDURE FOR FLUSHING WATER FROM HOUSEHOLD

1. Water Filters
a. If the household has a water filtration system,
b. disposable type filter cartridges should be discarded
c. including filter cartridges in ice-making units in refrigerators
d. discard ice
e. do not replace cartridge until after the rest of the water lines in the household
have been flushed clear, see method below
f. if the unit is a media filter bed type unit: isolate unit from the household prior to
flushing and consult manufacturer or licensed plumber, on method to disinfect the
unit.

2. Water Softeners:
a. Isolate unit from household prior to flushing
b. Consult manufacturer or licensed plumber on method to disinfect.

3. Water treatment unit, water conditioner unit, etc.:
a. Isolate unit from household prior to flushing.
b. Consult manufacturer or licensed plumber on method to disinfect.

4. Cold water flush:
a. Attach a hose to an outside tap and run the water for 30 minutes, disposing the
water to a location that drains away from the house and does not interfere with the
septic field.
b. Using a hose where possible to direct water outside and away from septic tank, or
filling a bucket to supplement flushing of water from each faucet, run each tap or
appliance for about 20 minutes.

5. Hot water flush:
a. Drain hot-water tank as per the "tech talk" posting on the website.
b. Using a hose where possible to direct water outside and away from septic tank, or
filling a bucket to supplement flushing of water from each faucet, run each tap or
appliance for about 20 minutes.
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