By Tom Mark

Black Water Warning For North Arm Of Okanagan Lake

Jul 6, 2017 | 7:07 AM

The Okanagan Indian Band’s Emergency Operations Centre is advising property owners anxious to get back into their homes after flooding to take precautions.

It reminds people that floodwaters are usually dirty and have have come in contact with various sources of contamination.

Items that have been underwater should be handled carefully to prevent disease.

The band urges a public health inspector and a person authorized to deal with septic systems be called in to check them.

Meanwhile, the EOC is advising residents and visitors planning to enter Okanagan Lake for recreational use to be wary of black water.

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It says black water could escape from flood protection barriers due to wave action or disintegration and get into the lake.

Flood waters over septic fields could also carry contaminants as they recede back into the lake.

It also warns of one thousand barrels reported along the north arm of Okanagan Lake either holding down docks and or floating in the waters.

Those barrels are said to have previously held gasoline, diesel, Hydrogen Peroxide and pesticides.

The algae bloom in the north arm of the lake continues and people are advised to stay away from it.

The First Nations Health Authority has been taking representative water samples from various locations along Okanagan Indian Band land this week and will continue to do so through Saturday.

by Tom Mark