Water Quality Reports
We conduct regular monitoring, sampling, and maintenance of the Panorama Mountain water system. We also conduct yearly testing and reviews of all of our operations and protocols, These results are made available to customers and the public in yearly reports.
Water Quality and Boil Water Advisories
A Boil Water Advisory (BWA) is a public health notice issued when drinking water may be contaminated with harmful microorganisms. It is a precautionary measure to prevent illness.
In British Columbia, BWAs are issued by regional health authorities under the Drinking Water Protection Act. In First Nations communities, advisories are managed in collaboration with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the Chief and Council.
In Alberta, BWAs are issued by Alberta Health Services (AHS).
When is a Boil Water Advisory Issued?
An Emergency boil water advisory is issued in response to the confirmed detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in drinking water. These events are rare and have extra effort around them as they are issued when a health
A Precautionary boil water advisory is issued on a case-by-case basis, which includes:
- Local maintenance or planned repairs in the distribution system which may cause a significant pressure drop, a breach in system integrity, or potential contamination of drinking water;
- Persistent presence of total coliforms in the distribution system, despite remedial measures (such as flushing water mains, increasing chlorine residuals);
- Minor equipment malfunction which may impact treatment efficacy or distribution systems;
- Unexpected changes in source water quality that could overwhelm the treatment systems;
- Unexpected and significant changes in routine monitoring parameters within the distribution system, such as pressure, turbidity, and disinfectant residuals; and
- A breach in system integrity, such as a broken water main (e.g., pressure loss).
A Boil Water Advisory indicates that we have to boil tap water for at least 1 minute at a rolling boil before the following uses:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Brushing teeth
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Making ice
- Preparing infant formula
- Giving water to pets
Note: Household filters (e.g., Brita) are not effective in removing bacteria or viruses.
Safe Practices During a Boil Water Advisory
- Handwashing: Safe with soap and proper technique.
- Bathing: Safe for healthy individuals; avoid swallowing water.
- Dishwashing: Use boiled water or sanitize with bleach. High-temp dishwashers are generally safe.
- Laundry: Can be done as usual unless advised otherwise.
How Is the Boil Water Advisory Lifted?
A BWA is lifted only after:
- Two consecutive negative water samples confirm no contamination (minimum 48 hours)
- Disinfection levels meet safety standards
- Approval is given by the Drinking Water Officer or FNHA Environmental Public Health Services (EPHS)
What do we do after a Boil Water Advisory is rescinded? Do we flush our system?
- Generally, after a Boil Water notice is rescinded, there are no actions required. If you notice that the water coming out of your tap is discoloured, run your water for a few minutes, and it should clear up. If it does not clear, please call Customer Care.
- It is unlikely that a customer’s on-premises plumbing would be affected, and therefore, flushing of their plumbing would not be necessary. Replacing filters and sanitizing appliances would not be required. If discolouration is detected (ie, due to routine water main flushing), it is recommended to run your taps until the water appears clear.
Does Bluestem Utilities flush the system?
- Depending on the reason for the Boil Water Advisory. For example, if low pressure occurred in only one section of the distribution system, we would perform strategic, directional flushing in that section.
- Bluestem Utilities performs regular maintenance on all of our systems, which can include flushing of the water systems.
- If a Boil Water Advisory is imposed as a precautionary measure, due to maintenance work, or elevated turbidity impacting the efficacy of disinfection, the utility may not flush the watermains. Bluestem Utilities will conduct consecutive testing to confirm that the water is safe for consumption and to detect the presence (or lack thereof) of bacteria.
Further information on Boil Water Advisories can be found here Guidance for Issuing and Rescinding Boil Water Advisories in Canadian Drinking Water Supplies.