Affected waterways include Quesnel Lake, Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek, Cariboo Creek & the entire Quesnel and Cariboo River systems right up to the Fraser River

CBC News : August 4, 2014

A complete water ban affecting about 300 local residents is in effect after five million cubic metres of tailings pond effluent from the Mount Polley copper and gold mine was released early Monday into Hazeltine Creek.

The affected waterways which include Quesnel Lake, Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek and Cariboo Creek have now been expanded to include the entire Quesnel and Cariboo Rivers systems right to the Fraser River.

Cariboo Regional District chairman Al Richmond said no one in the immediate area should be drinking from or coming into contact with any nearby bodies or supplies of water.

“People living in, or travelling through, the affected area are advised that a complete water use ban is in effect until further notice,” read a statement from the regional district authorities. “This includes water for recreational activities, drinking, cooking, bathing etc. Only use bottled water until further notice.”

(READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT CBC)

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