It will be at least a few days before users of the Vavenby Community Water System know if they can again use the the water.
A semi-truck crashed into the North Thompson River 31 kilometres north of Vavenby, causing diesel fuel to leak into the river upstream of the community, which is about one hour and 40 minutes north of Kamloops on Highway 5 North.
Testing and analysis of the water system will occur over the next couple of days and the TNRD expects to be able to announce the results late either Thursday or early Friday.
TNRD Electoral Area A director Carol Schaffer told KTW once the truck is removed from the river, the Ministry of Environment will begin testing.
How much fuel leaked into the river won’t be known until the truck is recovered.
The vehicle was hauling meat, she said.
All water users are advised to use bottled water or an alternate source of water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, bathing and food preparation until further notice.
Residents who draw their water from the system should check for signs of diesel fuel, such as a sheen or fuel odour.
It will be available at the Vavenby Fire Department daily between the hours of 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. until further notice.
Clearwater Mayor Merlin Blackwell told KTW his community — located downstream of Vavenby — is not impacted by the spill as the town doesn’t draw its water from the North Thompson River.