Image Credit: Jen Schwab Nickel
BARRIERE WATER DISCOLOURATION

Water discolouration continues to plague Barriere

May 11, 2019 | 3:14 PM

BARRIERE, BC — The District of Barriere is advising people that despite discolouration in the area’s water, it is still safe for human consumption.

In a public notice issued Wednesday (May 8), the District says the change in colour is due to a number of factors.

A combination of stirred up sediment, and a change in the amount of Manganese in the District’s water source has led to a significant colour difference in the area’s water.

On Tuesday, Barriere Fire Rescue needed to utilize water to extinguish a fire along Bartlett Road, and according to the District, anytime water is pulled from a hydrant or a large volume truck has to be refilled, it stirs up the water clarity in the system.

In a previous advisory, the District stated that the shutdown of the main deep well on Spruce Crescent led to drawing water from a newer well in Bradford Park.

The new well has a far higher level of Manganese than the usual water source, which makes the water a different colour.

The District also notes that people should avoid using bleach in the water, as it will cause a chemical reaction that will only intensify the dark colour.

Repairs to the system are half done, and now the District is waiting on specialized valves, which were delayed in delivery.

The valves are needed to finish off the pipe work and get Deep Well 2 back on line, which should be done between May 24-27.

The District is also reminding residents to conserve, with Stage Two Water Restrictions still in effect, and for more information, check out the District website, accessed here.