Latest Mount Polley water quality samples
By Contributor
The latest water samples collected from Quesnel River off the Likely Bridge between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15, 2014, and Quesnel River off the Gravelle Ferry Bridge between Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 2014, are consistent with previous results.
Results for water quality at both sample sites show turbidity levels above the B.C. drinking water guidelines and total aluminum above Health Canada drinking water guidelines. Results for water quality from the Quesnel River off the Gravelle Ferry Bridge show exceedances for total suspended solids, total iron and total phosphorus. According to Health Canada, there is no evidence of adverse health effects for aluminum at levels above the guidelines. Iron and phosphorus drinking water guidelines are based on staining and taste, not health effects.
TheGravelle Ferry Bridge site is also subject to influence from several small tributaries and the Cariboo River. All E.coli results meet the provincial drinking water guidelines.
Results for aquatic life at both sample sites show total copper levels and dissolved aluminum above the chronic and acute water quality guidelines.
Additionally, results collected from Quesnel River off the Gravelle Ferry site show exceedances for total phosphorus and total chromium above acute water quality guidelines. Long-term monitoring and testing is necessary to help better determine and understand any potential long-term impacts to aquatic life.
Interior Health reaffirms that all chemical sampling on surface water located outside the impact zone meets safety guidelines. Residents using surface water are advised to treat water for pathogens (germs) found naturally in surface water. Residents unable to treat their water should boil all water used for drinking, washing fresh fruits and vegetables and making ice for one minute or use water from an alternative potable water source.
