Wastewater Update - System Normalizing and Emergency Discharge Closed
December 13, 2025
We’re pleased to share that the final emergency wastewater discharge point was closed this morning, and no further untreated effluent is being released to the river.
With emergency discharges now stopped, the City is beginning the required post-incident reporting and follow-up with the Environmental Emergencies Branch of the Ministry of Environment.
While flows are still elevated, the wastewater system is returning to normal. City crews will continue monitoring system performance and weather forecasts to ensure conditions remain stable and to respond quickly if needed.
Interior Health has provided the following information regarding potential impacts of effluent discharge and flooding on drinking water:
Flood information for the public (water quality and your health):Floods & Landslides | Natural Disasters & Emergencies | IH
Drinking water resources (including private drinking water): Drinking Water | Environmental Health & Hazards | IH
The water supplying the Elko Community Water System comes from a water aquifer separate from the Elk River. Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) water operators sample the potable water once a week. Interior Health performs the Bacteriological tests on these samples, which are available to the public through the following link: https://shorturl.at/A1QE6
If you have immediate concerns regarding water quality please reach out Interior Health at EPHDirect@interiorhealth.ca
Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Additional updates will be shared if conditions change.
