Precautionary water quality advisory for Greater Vernon residents

Jan 17, 2022 | 1:50 PM

A water quality advisory has been put in effect for Greater Vernon homes and businesses on the Duteau Creek water source.

The precautionary measure will be in effect until sampling results confirm that the drinking water is safe, which could take several days.

Greater Vernon Water (GVW) said the advisory is needed due to an emergency repair in Lavington (Coldstream) on Sunday that caused extremely low flows at the Duteau Water Treatment Plant impacting treatment.

“While all of the water was treated with chlorine and clarification, the low flows resulted in some water in the system not receiving UV treatment,” said a news release from GVW.

GVW staff say crews repaired the failed air valve in Lavington this morning and customers who were without water, should get it back by early this afternoon.

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“Most Duteau customers were temporarily switched to the Kalamalka supply and will be returned to Duteau supply later today and are therefore impacted by the precautionary WQA,” said the release.

Greater Vernon Water expects the advisory will be lifted by the end of the week if all sample results are good.

“When Duteau service is restored, you may experience some turbidity, which is normal. Please run your bathtub and other taps and appliances on cold water until the water runs clear,” the release explained.

The map of customers impacted is shown below or available at www.rdno.ca

Map of affected homes on Duteau Creek water source (Image credit: Greater Vernon Water)

What should affected customers do?

Until the water quality advisory is rescinded, customers should exercise caution when using water for consumption purposes. All customers, especially young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems, may choose to boil their water for at least one minute when using for purposes, such as:

Drinking
Brushing teeth
Washing fruits & vegetables to be eaten raw
Preparing any food
Mixing baby formula
Making beverages or ice

Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news (filter by Water Notices) and the RDNO’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RDNorthOkanagan. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe.

by Pete McIntyre

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