A mA precautionary Water Quality Advisory (WQA) has been issued by Greater Vernon Water after a recent water-main break disrupted pressure in part of the supply network. The break prompted a temporary drop in pressure and raised concerns about possible infiltration of untreated water or sediment into the lines — triggering the advisory as a precaution while water-quality testing and system flushing proceed.

Officials say the advisory applies to the affected neighbourhoods and urge all residents in the zone to take extra care with water use until conditions return to normal.

---

What Residents Should Do Right Now

While the advisory remains active, GVW recommends the following:

• Run cold-water taps for several minutes to flush out any discoloured water or air from the system before using.
• Consider using bottled or stored water for drinking, cooking, and preparing food — especially for infants, elderly, or immunocompromised persons.
• If you choose to use tap water (after flushing), pay attention to clarity and smell; if water appears cloudy, odorous or discoloured, avoid using it for drinking or cooking.
• Use boiled or bottled water for food preparation, washing produce, or making ice if turbidity or discolouration persists.

Because a WQA isn’t as severe as a boil-water notice, not all users may need to avoid tap water completely — but extra caution is recommended until tests confirm water quality is back to safe levels.

---

What NOT to Do Under a Water Quality Advisory

To minimise risk during the advisory period, avoid:

• Drinking or cooking with water that appears cloudy, discoloured, or has odd smell — even if pressure seems restored.
• Relying on standard fridge or countertop filters as protection against potential microbial or sediment contamination — most are designed for taste/chemicals, not bacterial filtration.
• Using ice from automatic icemakers if it was made during or after the pressure drop.
• Preparing infant formula or food with unverified tap water.

Being cautious during a WQA helps protect households — especially those with young children, older adults, or compromised immune systems.

---

Why Water-Quality Advisories Happen — And What “WQA” Really Means

A Water Quality Advisory signals a potential — not confirmed — risk. WGWs and many water authorities issue WQAs under circumstances like water-main breaks, pressure loss, or detected turbidity. Under such conditions, problems might arise: sediment, air, or outside water entering the distribution network; disinfectant levels might temporarily drop; or chlorine contact time might be disrupted.

Because of that uncertain risk, a WQA advises caution — often for vulnerable populations first (infants, elderly, immune-compromised), but in many cases for all users. Once repairs, flushing and testing are completed and water meets safety standards, the advisory can be lifted — as has happened in past GVW advisories.

---

Extra Peace-of-Mind: Consider Point-of-Use Water Filtration

Once the advisory is lifted and supply returns to normal, some households may choose to install a certified filtration system for extra protection — especially if their water lines have experienced breaks before. A certified reverse-osmosis system can help reduce lingering impurities or disinfection byproducts, and provide added confidence in water quality over time.

👉 View Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis System

Sources & Notes

• Water Quality Advisory issued in Vernon region after water-main break — Vernon Morning Star (Dec 10 2025) Vernon Morning Star
• Explanation of what a Water Quality Advisory is and when it is used — DrinkingWaterForEveryone summary document drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca+1
• Past water quality advisories & notices for Greater Vernon Water: context on causes (pressure loss, turbidity) and clearing procedure rdno.ca+1

---