# Water quality advisories in British Columbia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260828-water-quality-advisories-in-british-columbia
> Updated: 2026-08-28T16:33:31.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 2.

In mid-August 2026, the Regional District of North Okanagan and Interior Health issued a precautionary water quality advisory for Greater Vernon Water customers supplied by Kalamalka Lake. The advisory was prompted by high turbidity levels exceeding 3.0 NTU, which officials noted could interfere with the effectiveness of drinking water treatment. While bacterial results remained clear, individuals with weakened immune systems were advised to boil water.

By late August, the North Okanagan advisory was lifted after water clarity returned to normal levels. In response to the incident, authorities announced a filtration upgrade at the Mission Hill Water Treatment Plant to enhance long-term reliability. During the same period, a separate Boil Water Notice was issued for the Riondel water system in the Regional District of Central Kootenay following a mechanical failure at its treatment facility.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Bessette Creek water use restricted to protect salmon

A new fish protection order in the Thompson Okanagan restricts water use in the Bessette Creek watershed to protect endangered Chinook salmon from severe drought conditions.

39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-advisories-issued-and-lifted-in-british-columbia

### 2026-08-14: Kalamalka Lake water advisory issued for Greater Vernon Water customers

A precautionary water quality advisory has been issued for Greater Vernon Water customers due to high turbidity levels in Kalamalka Lake, potentially affecting drinking water treatment effectiveness.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kalamalka-lake-water-advisory-issued-for-greater-vernon-water-customers

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Cite as: Water quality advisories in British Columbia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260828-water-quality-advisories-in-british-columbia