Residents of Vavenby are without clean water after a semi-truck crash led to a diesel spill in the North Thompson River.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District advised late Sunday morning that the Vavenby water system is now under a “Do Not Use” order due to the incident.
The order was caused by a semi-truck that crashed into the North Thompson River early on Sunday morning about 10 kilometres south of Avola, according to Interior Health.
The “Do Not Use” order affects 124 water users, and those affected are advised to use bottled water or alternate water sources for uses such as drinking, cooking, making ice and brushing teeth.
The TNRD says it’s unclear how long the order will be in place for, and emphasized that boiling water will not make the water safe to use.
In the meantime, the regional district will be supplying bottled water at the Vavenby Fire Department between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. today, and it will also be holding a public meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Vavenby Community Hall for people affected.
IH has also issued its own water advisory for people who draw their water from the North Thompson River between the crash site south of Avola to the confluence with the Clearwater River.
Avola draws its water from Avola Creek, meaning its water is not impacted by the spill.
According to IH, the Ministry of Environment is monitoring the situation and collecting water samples to begin remediation.
People looking for more information are asked to contact the TNRD emergency operations centre at 1-866-377-7188.
More information as it becomes available.
As a result of the spill, IHA issued a DO NOT USE Order for TNRD Vavenby Community Water System. Further TNRD details at: https://t.co/DfsEjLz5TH
— TNRD (@TNRD) December 30, 2018
A public meeting is being held tonight for Vavenby Community Water System users regarding the Do Not Use Notice from @Interior_Health . Come to the Vavenby Community Hall at 6:30 p.m.
— TNRD (@TNRD) December 30, 2018
Proper link: https://t.co/qbZokx1Peq
— Interior Health (@Interior_Health) December 30, 2018
