The recent heat wave has created problems for the water system in Witset.
Community officials say the rapid snow melt of a glacier near the community has dirtied the water supply to the point where the treatment plant had to be shut down last Sunday. The creek that provides water for their community was muddied with dirt so, the water couldn’t be treated by the plant.
Bottled water is being supplied to residents, port-a-potties have been set up around the community and the recycling team has been delivering buckets of water so toilets can be flushed.
Measurements taken Sunday showed 1000 turbidity units; that level had dropped to 304 this past Wednesday. Officials says the ideal level is 150. At that level the water can be treated.
A resident of Smithers donated 300 gallons of water to the community on Thursday at the Witset Food and Fuel parking lot.
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