Thursday, September 29, 2011

Notice from Board

To:  All Residents of Mt Belcher Improvement District
From:  Your Board of Directors
 
BOIL WATER ADVISORY
 
Effective September 28, 2011, Mount Belcher Improvement District implemented a boil water advisory.  Until further notice, all residents are advised to boil water used for drinking, preparing food, washing dishes or brushing teeth.  Guidelines on appropriate procedures are attached with this message.  As an alternative to boiling water, commercially purchased water may be used.
 
The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) public health department has been informed of a positive test result for e-coli in our water system.  We are working together with North Salt Spring Water Works and VIHA staff to address the situation as quickly as possible. 
 
When appropriate test results confirm that the problem has been rectified, the Board will notify residents that the advisory has been lifted.

If you have any questions or require further information at any time, please contact any member of the Board:

Chair, Bill Bloor, 462 Mt Belcher, 250-537-2981, bbloor@shaw.ca
Treasurer, Jeff Bee, 116 Sollitt Rd, 250-537-8430 , jdbee@shaw.ca Operations Advisor, Rick Gilleland, Sollitt Rd, 250-537- 0072 gilleland@shaw.ca (Note that Rick will be away until October 8.)
 
Information resources:
1. Attached information from Health Canada.
2. Blog: http://mountbelcherid.blogspot.com/
3. Details on how to boil your water, etc. are available at:
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/protect/dwadvisories.html
 

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

September 28 BOIL WATER ADVISORY

Please be advised that there is a boil water advisory in effect, as of noon September 28th.
Details to follow.

Rob James
537-5618

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

From Rick

All,
As of this morning at 0800 the tank was within one foot of the top. Since the water in the mains was disturbed during the leak event plus the fact that the pumps have (had) been going for about 24 hrs, there have been some reports of cloudy water (the dissolved air/oxygen which forms bubbles in conjunction with some organic material). This should resolve over the next day or so.

From Rick

All,
As of this morning at 0800 the tank was within one foot of the top. Since the water in the mains was disturbed during the leak event plus the fact that the pumps have (had) been going for about 24 hrs, there have been some reports of cloudy water (the dissolved air/oxygen which forms bubbles in conjunction with some organic material). This should resolve over the next day or so.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Resolution

I have just heard from Rick Gilleland, and the crisis is, essentially, completed.
The leak (thank you Bob!) was identified very quickly, the system partially shut-down to accommodate repairs, repairs were effected, and the system is being brought back on line as we speak. Some small tasks remain for North Saltspring Water to do this evening, but the wells are now refilling the reservoir. Water conservation overnight tonight would be appreciated.

There is a chance that some sludge was jostled about during these events, so if you find your water has an adverse smell or taste or colour, you are encouraged to let your taps or toilets run for a few minutes. Rick did not see a need for a boil-water advisory.


Thank you one and all.

Update 1530

There has been a PARTIAL return of pressure to most of the system, but several homes at the base of Cudmore and perhaps some on Carlin still are without water.

There is a CRITICAL need for everyone to conserve water pending recovery of the reservoir. The reservoir needs both volume and height; without height there is not enough pressure to drive water into the taps of those that are closest to the reservoir. Pumps are now coming back on line, which will begin to recharge the reserve, but please conserve water throughout today and tomorrow.

Rick Gilleland in particular merits a round of thanks for his efforts. Kudos as well to North Saltspring Water for their efforts.

Rob
537-5618

Update 10:50 Monday

The water situation is clarifying.

1) The leak has been stopped, and repairs are underway. Repairs may take at least one day, perhaps more, depending on parts, equipment, etc.


2) Those above 400 Mt Belcher will have water, but at very lower pressure. These households are being asked to VIGOROUSLY conserve water, pending restoration of a sufficient reservoir volume to support continued operations.


3) Approximately 1/2 of the system (those below ~400 Mt Belcher Heights) will have NO water as the emergency shutoff valve has been used to isolate the fault. These addresses must find alternative water sources for drinking, etc.

4) Emergency water supplies are available. Please contact me at 931.1003 or 538.8085.


Rob James