Map shows areas which  are still  under  water use ban,  – image courtesy Interior health

Likely, B.C. –  Watrer Use bans  have  been further rescinded and  Interior Health has  declared all fish in Quesnel Lake, Quesnel River and the Fraser river, safe for human consumption.

Do Not Use water restrictions are rescinded south of 6236 Cedar Creek Road into Quesnel Lake to within 100 metres of the visible sediment plume where Hazeltine Creek runs into Quesnel Lake. This means that water drawn from south of 6236 Cedar Creek Road on the Quesnel River and the majority of Quesnel Lake may be consumed per normal practice. It is now safe from a human health perspective for drinking water, personal use, fishing, swimming, and recreational purposes.

“I have no reason to believe that this water was ever exposed to unsafe levels of contaminants from the mine breach” says Dr. Trevor Corneil Medical Health Officer  for Interior Health.  He says  that as a result,  flushing and testing of individual water supply systems is not considered necessary.

Until further notice, a Do Not Use order for drinking water, personal, and recreational use remains in effect for the impact zone directly affected by the breach which includes Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek, and on Quesnel Lake, but only the area within 100 metres of the visible sediment plume where Hazeltine Creek runs into Quesnel Lake.

The public should also continue to refrain from using these waterways for recreational purposes. This includes swimming and fishing.

The water use ban will now  only impact one water license on Polley Lake, and one well in that area.