Information on drinking-water wells in flooded areas of B.C.

Press Release

Nov. 20, 2021

VICTORIA – The Province is advising residents that drinking-water wells in flooded areas of B.C. may be at risk of contamination.

If people get their water from a permitted community drinking-water supply system, the water supplier will provide information on the safety of the water. For those who own or are responsible for a private drinking-water well that has been affected by flooding, they need to assess their well and take action to protect the people who use water from the well.

Everyone must respect evacuation orders. Never re-enter the flood zone unless emergency management officials have indicated that you may do so.

The following resources will help assess and take appropriate action to ensure safe water:

Health Authority Resources

Fraser Health: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/drinking-water/private-well-owners#.YZVco-n-iju
Interior Health: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/natural-disasters-and-emergencies/floods-and-landslides
Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/drinking-water/drinking-water-monitoring-complaints
Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/public-health/environmental-health-inspections/drinking-water
Northern Health: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/flood-information
First Nations Health: https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/flood-safety-information

Health authorities also provide advice on ensuring water is safe. Drinking Water Contacts for specific questions about your water quality:

Specific information on well water testing and disinfection:

BC Health File: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/well-water-testing
Ministry of Environment – Disinfecting wells: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/water-wells/bc_gov_5402_water_well_disinfection_webbrochure.pdf

General Information on flooding can be found here: