The Capital Regional District, in consultation with Island Health, issued a boil water advisory on April 29, 2026, for residents connected to the Wilderness Mountain Water System in East Sooke. The advisory remains in effect for approximately 74 residential service connections near the top of Mount Matheson as of May 4, 2026.
The notice was triggered by high turbidity in the water from the Wilfred Reservoir. High turbidity means the water contains suspended solids such as silt, clay, or organic matter that can compromise water quality and may harbor microorganisms. Residents are advised to bring water to a vigorous boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, food preparation, making ice cubes, or dental hygiene.
This system faces recurring water quality challenges, particularly during the spring, summer, and early fall when turbidity levels often rise. In addition to these seasonal issues, the water system has a documented history of elevated manganese concentrations that have previously exceeded the Health Canada maximum acceptable concentration of 120 parts per billion. Due to these elevated levels, officials warn that infants should not consume tap water from the system or drink formula prepared with it, and recommend using bottled water for infant formula instead.
The advisory will stay in place until the water treatment process successfully lowers turbidity levels and official water samples confirm the supply no longer poses a risk to public health. The regional district monitors the system through a treatment process that uses cartridge filtration, ultraviolet disinfection, and chloramine disinfection before the water travels through the local network of pipes.
