The Capital Regional District (CRD) in consultation with Island Health has issued a water quality advisory for Wilderness Mountain Water Service Area due to elevated concentrations of manganese.  The water quality advisory is in effect for the entire service area. 

Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is present throughout the environment and can normally be found in many surface and groundwater sources. Frequently, as observed at Wilderness Mountain, episodes of high manganese concentrations can be a seasonal occurrence. Manganese is an essential nutrient and consuming a small amount of manganese is necessary to maintain overall health.

Until recently, elevated levels of manganese in drinking water were not considered a health risk and were only viewed as an aesthetic concern. The latest science now associates high concentrations of manganese in drinking water with health issues in infants (birth-1 year old). High levels of manganese can make water appear brown, purple or black at concentrations less than what Health Canada considers the Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) in drinking water.

As a precaution, it is recommended to avoid drinking discoloured water, or using discoloured water to prepare food or infant formula.

Manganese can be reduced to acceptable levels through specific water treatment. The Capital Regional District is working on strategies to improve the water treatment at Wilderness Mountain.

For more information on manganese in drinking water, please refer to the frequently asked questions.

 For updates, please visit www.crd.bc.ca/alerts and follow us on X @crd_bc.