Wild weather Tuesday wreaked havoc on the region’s water systems but safety plans were set in place, officials say.
The day started with a downed tree cutting power to the Japan Gulch water treatment facility in Langford.
The facility treats all the drinking water in the capital region.
Having it out of commission could have led to alternative treatment options to UV such as chlorine and possibly a boil water advisory.
Luckily, a new backup generator purchased by the Capital Regional District this spring kicked in until B.C.
Hydro was able to restore power by midday.
Matthew McCrank, a senior manager in infrastructure operations, said the CRD issued a wastewater discharge notice for a number of beaches in an “abundance of caution” after heavy rains caused stormwater and wastewater to overflow.
Sensors at pump stations detected the overflows and warnings were issued for Macaulay Point in Esquimalt, Clover Point in Victoria, McMicking Point, Hood, Humber and Rutland in Oak Bay, Finnerty Cove in Saanich, and Saanichton Bay in Central Saanich.
“As a result of these discharges, residents are advised to avoid entering the waters along the affected shorelines, as the wastewater may pose a health risk,” said a CRD statement.
McCrank said the lab results would likely be complete by the end of the week.