Officials in British Columbia have reported that initial tests indicate no contamination of drinking water in Kamloops Lake following a significant fuel spill. The incident occurred last Saturday when a Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) train derailed, releasing approximately 80,700 liters of aviation fuel into the lake. This raised immediate concerns for nearby communities, including Savona, Tobiano, and Walhachin, which rely on the lake for their water supply.

Michael Grenier, director for Area J of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, confirmed that water samples taken from Savona, home to about 700 residents, showed no direct impact on drinking water quality. "The risk to the Walhachin Community Water System remains very low," Grenier stated, adding that the regional district is still awaiting test results for Walhachin.

In response to the spill, many communities temporarily shut off their water supply from the lake. The B.C. Environment Ministry reported that a containment boom has been deployed to manage a visible oil sheen on the water. A surveillance flight indicated that there was no visible oil outside the containment area, estimating that less than 25 liters of fuel remained within it.

Water sampling is ongoing, and CPKC's lead environmental consultant noted that all samples have remained below the provincial drinking water guidelines. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has advised residents to stay informed through its alert system regarding any changes in water quality.

The train derailment, which involved 17 rail cars, did not result in any injuries. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation. CPKC has committed to a thorough cleanup process, stating that crews have already removed four rail cars from the lake and will continue to work on the remaining cars in the coming days.

Environmental experts are urging continued monitoring of the situation. Peter Ross, a senior scientist specializing in water pollution, emphasized the importance of tracking the long-term effects of the spill. "These are chronic problems. They're accidents, by and large, and they are a simple reminder how vulnerable our environment is around here," he said.

As cleanup efforts progress, private water operators in the area, including those in Tobiano, have been advised to inspect their systems. The Interior Health authority has also recommended that the community of Frederick, located across the lake from the spill, refrain from drawing water from the lake until further testing can confirm safety.

The situation remains fluid as officials continue to assess the impact of the spill and ensure the safety of local water supplies.