Features Water Issues
Selenium levels in B.C.’s Elk River watershed have quadrupled over past 38 years

Fernie, B.C. – A secondary water supply is being sought by the Elk Valley city after its water quality has been rated between poor and fair in 2023. Fernie’s primary water source is Fairy Creek, but it’s prone to turbidity in the spring during snow melt. Its secondary source are the James White Wells, but selenium levels have breached guidelines, making water unsafe to drink. A recent U.S. Geologic Survey has found the amounts of selenium in the Elk River watershed has quadrupled in close to the past 40 years. A question has been raised about where the selenium comes from and where it’s going. Wildsight report | READ MORE