Vancouver Coastal Health says elevated levels of arsenic in the water have forced them to reapply a “do not consume” order that was rescinded for Dream Valley Estates residents earlier this month.
According to a media release, VCH rescinded the order on Dec. 6 after more than a year of dealing with contaminated water in the Garden Bay area which affected 19 residents. But test results taken on Dec. 6 showed arsenic levels were above Health Canada’s Maximum Acceptable Concentration.
According to Health Canada, the acceptable limit for arsenic levels in water is 10 parts per billion (ppb), and the results of the Dec. 6 testing indicated levels were 15 ppb.
VCH says the cause of the contamination is still unknown, but it is under investigation and further testing will be carried out to ensure levels return to Health Canada’s standards.
