Latest Update: July 20, 2026
On May 26, 2026, the Comox Valley Regional District responded to a major sewer leak from the Comox Pump Station in Comox. The leak resulted in untreated effluent entering the marine environment – requiring a Do Not Flush order for properties in Courtenay, Comox and K’ómoks First Nation until the leak was successfully repaired.
A CVRD report regarding the event, including the cause of the event was presented to the Comox Valley Sewage Commission on June 23, 2026. To view the CVRD report visit here. In addition, an Environmental Spill Investigation report issued by the Design-Builder, who have claimed full responsibility for the event, provides further details into the cause and includes corrective actions. The Construction Manager who approved the report is a Professional Engineer, held to a strict code of ethics by Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. To view the Environmental Spill Investigation report visit here.
Follow along below for the latest information:
Latest News:
May 26 Sewer Leak Staff Report for the June 23, 2026 Sewage Commission
- The CVRD is working closely with K'ómoks First Nation, Ministry of Environment and Parks, Environment Canada and other government agencies to review weekly water and sediment test results and determine next steps on remediation.
- The CVRD is conducting water and sediment testing on a fortnightly schedule to inform the ongoing Advisory for the Immediate Spill Area and decisions regarding potential further remediation in the Immediate Spill Area (map below).
- A water quality advisory remains in place for the foreshore at the spill site extending to the low tide line. The water in the Comox Harbour Authority east marina has shown to be consistently safe for several rounds of testing during July 2026 and the advisory has been lifted from the marina. People and pets should continue to not interact with the foreshore.
- Water quality has been deemed safe for public access at popular recreation sites such as Goose Spit, “Little Mexico”, Gartley Beach, Courtenay River, Lewis Park, Point Holmes and Tree Island. The west side of the Comox Harbour wharf is also deemed safe.
- The CVRD has collated test results received to date and have published them below. Test results will continue to be posted as they are received.
- Environmental consultants have investigated reports of toilet paper found on area beaches in Royston and have confirmed it to be dried, bleached seaweed. The plant is Ulva (sea lettuce) and its presence on the beach is unrelated to the sewage leak.
Current Testing and Results
Water quality testing has been completed since May 26 throughout Comox Harbour and Estuary, and at popular recreational sites to assess potential impacts of the sewage leak from Jane Place Pump Station.
The results are being shared below. More results will be added as they are received.
How to read these results:
- Tests were completed for Enterococcus – the bacteria that Island Health measures in marine environment to determine safe swimming levels.
- Island Health advises that water is safe for human activity if results are BELOW 35CFU/100mL.
- Shaded boxes show results above those limits, indicating unsafe conditions for human activity in the water.
- As of July 17, testing is moving to a fortnightly schedule.
