DIRECTIVE FROM VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH
May 31 2026. The Drinking Water Officer at Vancouver Coastal Health has advised that SSID water is susceptible to enteric viruses that can cause illness. As a condition of SSID's permit to operate, we are instructed to either (a) treat the drinking water or (b) go on a permanent Water Quality Advisory.
There is no report of viruses or illness at this time. But there is potential for viruses, because SSID water contains nitrates. Viruses can travel the same pathways as nitrates do, from septic fields to the wellheads.
The health effects can range from mild to life threatening. Infants, young children, elderly, and immuno-compromised individuals are most vulnerable. More information may be found in Health Canada's Enteric Viruses in Drinking Water, 2017.
(a) Chlorine in the right dosage will kill viruses, so would be the safest choice. A permanent chlorine injection system would dispense a specific measurement of chlorine (sodium hypochlorite 12%) into the drinking water as it is pumped from the aquifer. The ongoing taste of chlorine would be much less than the stronger concentrations used when periodically shock-chlorinating the system. The cost is roughly estimated at $30,000 in the first year, and $3,000 in years thereafter.
Note UV treatment is not suitable to this off-grid system because of the power requirements.
(b) A permanent Water Quality Advisory, instead of water treatment, would be a Communications Plan in the District explaining that the drinking water is not treated so could pose a modest health risk from viruses. The communication is not a Boil Water Advisory, although boiling and other precautions may be recommended for people with weak immune systems. Signage, handbills, emails, and reminders would be issued. The cost to SSID taxpayers would be about $1,500 per year. In addition, property owners would be expected to communicate the water risks to occupants in their dwellings.
SSID will be discussing the two options at the summer Annual General Meeting 10:30am Sunday August 2, 2026. The choice will be an important community decision. We urge all SSID property owners to attend.
We also welcome your comments now, to administrator@savaryshoreswater.ca
Sincerely,
Trustees Bryan Miles, Lee Davis, Brent Brucker
SAVARY SHORES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
