Hudson’s Hope rescinds ‘boil water’ notice after chlorine concern

FORT ST. JOHN. B.C. — The District of Hudson’s Hope has resolved a water quality concern relating to its treatment facility after a one-day boil water notice. 

On February 7th, the district issued a ‘boil water’ notice due to chlorine residuals being recorded throughout the water distribution system.

During the notice, residents were advised to bring water to a rolling boil if it was being used for drinking, brushing teeth, making infant formula, washing fruits and vegetables and making ice. 

A Facebook post from the district explained the water treatment plant’s chlorine dosing system was “unexpectedly off” from 5 p.m. on February 6th to 8 a.m. on February 7th. 

“Our system uses UV for primary disinfection and chlorine to maintain a protective residual in the distribution system,” the district stated. 

“The dosing system is now back online, and we are temporarily increasing chlorine slightly to restore normal residual levels.”

As of 10 a.m. on February 8th, after chlorine residual testing within the water distribution system, the District of Hudson’s Hope has downgraded the boil water notice to a water quality advisory.

“[This means the] water is considered safe for general use, however residents with weakened immune systems including infants, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised may still wish to boil their drinking water as an added precaution,” the district stated.

Moving forward, the district said it will be completing bacteriological testing within the distribution system on February 9th and 10th in addition to its normal bi-weekly sampling. 

A year ago, in February 2025, the District of Hudson’s Hope and BC Hydro signed an agreement that the utility would cover the rental costs of a water treatment system until a permanent system becomes operational.