Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Function’s boil water advisory continues

The boil water advisory for Function Junction could be in place for weeks.

It was put in place Sept. 29 after water sample tests showed that there was coliform in the water. According to the Sea to Sky environmental services online information the origin of contamination is unknown.

"However, (the) well source is shallow and may be under the influence of surface water; if so disinfection is required as per the Drinking Water Protection Act and Regulation," states the sites latest inspection report.

The report ( www.healthspace.ca/vch ) also states that the company responsible for Function’s water was carrying out inadequate chemical sampling and needs to put in well-head protection.

Jon Perrett, who operates Van West Water Utility, Functions’s water supplier, said the company is in the process of investigating water treatment systems including an ultraviolet water purifying system.

"It kills any bacteria," he said adding that the technology is readily available.

Perrett said he has applied for the proper permits from the Vancouver Health Authority’s public health engineer. Following that he has to install the works, then have them approved by the Health Authority’s engineer.

The Sea to Sky’s Medical Health Officer, Dr. Phil Shoemack, said the advisory would stay in place for now.

"Whenever there is any doubt about the risk to public safety we err on the side of caution," he said.

Shoemack would like to have a better idea of what is causing the problem. This is the second time a boil water advisory has been put in place for Function Junction this year. The last time was in June.

Food operators and others are struggling with the on-going advisory.

"It is a very big concern because we deal with food," said Sandra Cameron, controller of Bevendale Enterprises, which operates Delish at Function’s north end.

A company is forced to truck large containers of uncontaminated water from village locations down to Delish and for catering operations.

"We must maintain food safety at all costs," said Cameron. "So we have no choice but to bring in the water."