White Rock residents have been told that a boil water advisory will remain in place until the end of the week, after more E. coli bacteria was discovered in weekend testing.
The advisory was issued Friday when a routine water sample showed a low level of coliform, which is a type of bacteria that can include the E. coli strain.
In tests done this weekend, three more positive results were discovered, meaning that the advisory will remain in place until Friday, at the earliest. Fraser Health requires three days of negative results in order for an advisory to be lifted.
EPCOR, which owns White Rock Utility, has now shut down one of the city's reservoirs, and is in the process of draining it so that it can be chlorinated, rinsed and re-filled.
The municipal water supply affects the City of White Rock, as well as a limited number of residences in South Surrey. It comes from a groundwater source called the Sunnyside Uplands aquifer and is provided through six wells. The water goes directly to residents without further treatment.
There have been no reports of illnesses related to the water quality.
Residents are advised to bring their water to a rapid, rolling boil for at least one minute prior to using it for domestic purposes, including drinking, making infant formula and juices, cooking, brushing teeth, washing raw foods and making ice.
