EXTREME rainfall on the steep mountainous terrain above Coquitlam Reservoir has resulted in drinking water turbidity (cloudiness) in eastern portions of Metro Vancouver.

The regional drinking water originates from rainfall and snowmelt captured in the three mountain water supply areas of Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam. The protected water supply areas provide drinking water for over 2.8 million residents.

Turbidity occurs when storm runoff carries sediment (e.g. clay and silt) into water reservoirs. Increased turbidity in drinking water may interfere with disinfection. As a result, treatment and disinfection levels have been increased as a safety precaution and Metro Vancouver is operating the water system to maximize water quality.

Due to Metro Vancouver’s protected water supply areas and water treatment processes, the Medical Health Officer is confident the water remains safe to drink despite its cloudy appearance.

Drinking water from the Seymour Capilano Filtration Plant, which supplies the western portion of Metro Vancouver, is filtered, uses ultraviolet and chlorine disinfection, and is not affected. The Coquitlam Water Treatment Plant uses ozone, ultraviolet disinfection and chlorine for disinfection.

Metro Vancouver will continue to monitor water quality and provide updates if the situation changes significantly.