By Tom Mark

Sewage Leak Into Okanagan Lake

Jun 25, 2017 | 3:37 PM

An investigation is underway into the discharge of raw sewage in the North Arm of Okanagan Lake.

The Okanagan Indian Band posted a warning on its Facebook page and website today and said the incident has been reported to the Ministry of Environment.

The band’s Emergency Operations Centre advises all residents in the area and people visiting “to refrain from entering into the north arm of Okanagan Lake until further notice and to not consume surface waters drawn from Okanagan Lake.”

It’s not clear where the sewage came from.

There are septic fields in the area which suffered flooding from the lake but whether any has been compromised is not known.

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The release from the band reminds people that raw sewage could contain E.coli, giardia, cryptosporidium, heptatis A, cholera and other diseases.

“Open cuts and wounds can become severely infected by contaminated water. Early symptoms from exposure to sewage water pollutins may include upset stomach, intestinal problems, headaches and other flu-like symptoms. For open wounds, watch for redness, swelling and soreness. You should seek medical attention if you suspect illness or infections.”

by Tom Mark