UPDATE: The boil water advisory for Lake Louise was cancelled on Friday, Aug. 23.
Parks Canada issued a boil water advisory for Lake Louise on Monday, Aug. 19, according to the village’s fire department.
The government agency confirmed news of the advisory on Wednesday, saying it will be in effect until they are confident the water is safe because “safety is our top priority.”
The Lake Louise Fire Department told people to boil water for a minimum of two minutes before drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and doing dishes.
The advisory is a precaution that Parks Canada is taking after there was concern about the potential for increased water turbidity as the reservoir refills following a water main break over the weekend.
Turbidity is caused by sediment and particulate matter, Parks Canada explained.
“As the reservoir refills, water is treated but may contain more sediment than is typical,” a statement from the government agency said.
“This sediment comes from the aquifer itself, or from sediment that has fallen to the bottom of the reservoir or water lines over time, and is stirred up by water flow returning to the system.”
On Saturday, a contractor inadvertently damaged the main water line for Lake Louise while doing utility work under the Trans-Canada Highway, according to Parks Canada.
As a result, the water reservoir was drained and parts of the village were without water or experienced disruptions for about 24 hours. Parks Canada said water services were resolved by Sunday at noon.
Only properties serviced by the Lake Louise water distribution system were affected by the advisory. Upper Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Lake Louise Ski Area were not affected, Parks Canada said.
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