An Emergency Notification from the City of Fernie is urgently asking all residents and businesses to immediately conserve water as the municipal wastewater system has exceeded capacity due to intense rainfall and rapid snowmelt.
City crews are working continuously to prevent a catastrophic failure of the system, including potential sewage backups into homes and businesses.
To reduce pressure, the City is requesting that everyone limit all non-essential water use, including:
• Laundry
• Dishwashing
• Showers and bathing
• Any other discretionary water consumption
Reducing water use now is essential to stabilizing the system and protecting critical infrastructure.
Effluent is currently being discharged into the river at two locations (Dogwood Park and the main pump station) to prevent system collapse. Dogwood Park remains closed to the public.
Residents are asked to avoid the river and stay clear of crews and equipment operating in affected areas.
Read more about Fernie’s Effluent Discharge problem here.
