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Whistler water quality advisory lifted

Stage 1 water restrictions back in effect
21-mile-creek
21 Mile Creek is Whistler's largest water source. Last week its turbidity was affected by rapid snow melt resulting from B.C.'s ongoing heatwave.

A water quality advisory issued by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and Vancouver Coastal Health last week was lifted on July 5.

Residents can now consume tap water as normal, though they are still advised to run their taps until the water is cold before drinking it.

The June 27 advisory was prompted by turbidity (or cloudy water) conditions in Whistler's biggest water source, 21 Mile Creek. Rapid snow melt as a result of B.C.’s record-breaking heat wave pushed the creek's water conditions past the normal shut-off criteria of 1.0 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU).

With the heat wave driving high demand for water, fire storage levels were compromised, prompting the RMOW to raise turbidity levels at 21 Mile Creek to 2.0 NTU to recover more water.

According to the RMOW, the risk to consumers was low since Whistler's water quality is closely monitored on an ongoing basis, and the chlorination and UV disinfection systems remained fully operational.

Meanwhile, Stage 1 water restrictions are back in effect after Whistler briefly moved to Stage 3 last week.

Stage 1 restrictions permit most types of outdoor water use. Read more at whistler.ca/sprinklingregulations.