Prince George, BC – A public meeting has been called for later this week to discuss an ongoing ban on drinking water for some Canim Lake residents in the Cariboo…

The "Do Not Drink" order was issued for residents of the Canim Lake Estates Water System back on January 9th, and, since then, they’ve been advised not to use their tap water for drinking, cooking, or bathing as a safety precaution.  An outside tap at the Forest Grove Fire Hall has been acting as an alternate water source in the interim, while officials have been investigating the water system.

The Cariboo Regional District will host a meeting at the Forest Grove Community Hall at 7pm on Thursday evening to update the situation. The CRD’s Manager of Communications, Shelly Burich, says the prolonged duration of the Order should not be interpreted to correlate with the severity of the situation.

"Until such time as we are sure that we have identified and thoroughly analized all potential contaminates, a cautious approach is most prudent," says Burich.  "The Cariboo Regional Distric recognizes the significant inconvenience that is occurring and is doing everything in its power to get answers as quickly as possible."

Burich says the roof liner of the well water system building has been removed and replaced, but the Provincial Medical Health Officer is not prepared to remove the Do Not Use Order at this time.