Courtenay, BC – The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is responding to a major sewer leak that occurred earlier today near the Comox Marina.
The break was identified at approximately 9:30 am, and crews have been onsite since that time working to resolve the leak and minimize impacts to residents, businesses, and the surrounding environment.
The CVRD is asking residents of Courtenay, Comox, and K’omoks First Nation to stop all non-essential water use until repairs are completed. This includes limiting flushing toilets, laundry, dishwashing, and other household water uses.
“We appreciate everyone helping do your part to reduce flows into our sewage system,” explains Kris La Rose. “Reduction in the toilet flushes and non-essential water entering the system is helping us to complete the repairs needed and reduce the volume of wastewater spilling into the marine environment.”
There is no impact to the safety of the drinking water supply. Drinking water in Courtenay, Comox and K’omoks First Nation remains safe to consume.
Environmental mitigation measures are underway, and the CVRD is coordinating with applicable governments and agencies to monitor and manage the situation.
CVRD staff and contractors are working hard to have the leak repaired as soon as possible, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Residents of Courtenay, Comox and K’omoks First Nation are encouraged to:
- Limit flushing toilets, laundry, dishwashing, and other household water uses
- Avoid swimming, boating, water related activities in the Comox Harbour and inside of Goose Spit
- Avoid the affected area and keep pets away from the water
- Follow all posted closures and instructions
The below recreation facilities are currently closed until further notice:
- Comox Valley Sports Centre
- Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
- Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds
- Lewis Centre
- LINC Youth Centre
- Florence Filberg Centre
- Native Sons Hall
- All City of Courtenay park washrooms, outbuildings and field houses
In the Town of Comox, the Comox Community Centre will remain open on a limited basis (limited availability for washrooms, no showers). Please follow facility signage. The Rotary Splash Park and washrooms at Comox Marina Park have been closed. All Town of Comox park washrooms have been closed.
Updates will be posted on the Comox Valley Regional District website and social media channels as they become available.
A further update will be provided by 6:00 pm.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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