Sewage Leak Incident & Information

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Latest Update: June 5, 2026|9 :30 am


On May 26, 2026, the Comox Valley Regional District responded to a major sewer leak from the Comox Pump Station in Comox. The leak resulted in untreated effluent entering the marine environment – requiring a Do Not Flush order for properties in Courtenay, Comox and K’omoks First Nation until the leak was successfully repaired. The incident is under investigation now.

Follow along below for the latest information:

  • The CVRD retained environmental consultants to take water samples since the sewage leak, beginning in the immediate spill area and then expanding to recreational sites around Comox Harbour. 
  • As of 12 pm (noon) on June 3, water quality advisories have been lifted for most of Comox Harbour and the Estuary. Testing has shown consistently safe results for all areas outside of the immediate spill area (see news update here). A water quality advisory remains in place for the foreshore between Jane Place and the Comox Wharf as well as the water within the Comox Harbour Authority east marina (see map below)
    • Water quality has been deemed safe for public access at popular recreation sites such as Goose Spit, “Little Mexico”, Gartley Beach, Courtenay River, Lewis Park, Point Holmes and Tree Island. The west side of the Comox Harbour wharf is also deemed safe.
  • The CVRD has collated test results received to date and have published them below. Test results will continue to be posted as they are received. 
  • Given the safe findings collected to date, sampling will move to weekly frequency.
  • The cause of the leak is currently under investigation. More information will be shared with the community when available.
Sewage Advisory Map
 IMG: Water quality advisory remains in place on east side of Comox Harbour wharf

 

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Current Testing and Results

Water quality testing has been completed since May 26 throughout Comox Harbour and Estuary, and at popular recreational sites to assess potential impacts of the sewage leak from Jane Place Pump Station. 

The results are being shared below. More results will be added as they are received. 

How to read these results:

  • Tests were completed for Enterococcus – the bacteria that Island Health measures in marine environment to determine safe swimming levels.
  • Island Health advises that water is safe for human activity if results are BELOW 35CFU/100mL.
  • Shaded boxes show results above those limits, indicating unsafe conditions for human activity in the water.
  • As of June 2, testing is moving to a weekly schedule.

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