FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COWICHAN VALLEY- The lower Cowichan River recreational use water quality advisory is now rescinded.

The advisory was put in place on August 16, 2014 for the area of the Cowichan River downstream from the Allenby Road bridge to the mouth of the river (approximately 6km of the 47 km length of the river).

Repeat samples of the river taken on Monday August 18, 2014 demonstrate that the river has returned to its usual excellent river water quality and is considered acceptable for recreational purposes.

The Cowichan River has been subjected to drought conditions for the past few months. As is typical of river systems, the significant rainfall occurring mid-week last week likely caused washing of the land adjacent to the river and its tributaries and through storm water returns that may have carried high concentrations of bacteria into the main river. 

Continuous flows through wastewater treatment plants are frequently tested and are not subject to the same rainfall effect.  Testing at the JUB treatment facility continued to demonstrate acceptable water quality and not the cause of the increase in bacteria which was highest upstream from the JUB effluent return to the river.

Fish caught in the river during the advisory are safe to consume following complete cleaning and cooking. 

The Cowichan River is monitored in multiple locations throughout the recreational use season and normally has excellent river water quality. 

Download this info bulletin in PDF form here. (80 KB)

Media Contact:

Val Wilson

Island Health Communications

250-739-6303