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Cranbrook, BC (April 14, 2025) – Due to slightly elevated water turbidity levels still coming out of the Phillips Reservoir, the City of Cranbrook and the Interior Health Authority (IHA) are reminding residents that a Water Quality Advisory remains effect for customers on the City’s potable water system until further notice.

Turbidity, which is currently sitting at about 1 NTU, is a measure of water clarity or how much matter is suspended in the water, like soil particles. Increased turbidity can make it harder for the chlorination to do its job. Turbidity, which occurs when there is run-off from snow melt and rain events, is common when you are dealing with a surface water system like the City is with the Phillips Reservoir. This increase in turbidity is likely because of the transition to spring weather encouraging a fast lake turnover which has stirred up sediment.

Both IHA and the City of Cranbrook recommend that children, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems or anyone who wants additional protection to use boiled water or a safe alternative for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making beverages or ice or when brushing teeth until further notice. Bring water up to a rolling boil for at least one minute.

For more information about water quality and the City’s overall water system, please visit - https://cranbrook.ca/residents/water-conservation/water-quality/.