Update: Essential use of water notice lifted for water utility

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After several repair attempts, the intake appears to be functioning properly and the water treatment plant appears to be operating normally.

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Residents in the area will remain on a boil water noticeuntil satisfactory water quality sample results are received.

Customers will be notified of updates at 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.

Essential use of water continues for water utility
May 24, 2024

Customers on the Grindrod Water Utility are advised to continue to only use water for essential purposes as efforts continue to repair a blocked river intake.

The Regional District of North Okanagan says on Thursday, May 23, crews were able to bypass the river intake with a portable pump and in addition to a potable water hauler, bring the reservoir up to approximately 75 per cent overnight.

On Friday, May 24, crews continued to pump water into the reservoir.

On Sunday, May 26, BC Hydro is completing planned work which will cause a shutdown of the plant for approximately eight (8) hours. Customers should store water for cooking, toilets, and cleaning prior to the shutdown. Construction will start in June on a generator for the water treatment plant.

Crews will be monitoring and filling the reservoir throughout the weekend as necessary. Divers will be on site early next week to make a second attempt to locate the intake and identify the issue.

It is crucial that residents continue to only use water for essential purposes until otherwise notified.

May 22, 2024

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) says customers supplied by the Grindrod Water Utility (GRW) can still only use water for essential purposes.

“Recently attempted repairs to the blocked water intake were unsuccessful. Crews are re-assessing, and another attempt will be made as soon as possible. A water hauling contractor has been procured to ensure reservoir levels remain sufficient until the blocked water intake is resolved,” RDNO said in a news release.

RDNO said it is crucial that residents continue to only use water for essential purposes until otherwise notified.

Why is this notice in place?

Due to a blocked water intake in the river, GRW is currently using the water that is stored in the reservoir.

What should affected customers do?

All customers who receive water from the GRW can only use water for essential purposes.

Where can I find updates?

Customers will be notified of updates at 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.

Original story
May 21, 2024

Customers on the Grindrod Water Utility (GRW) are being asked to only use water for essential purposes until further notice.

The Regional District of North Okanagan issued the advisory on Tuesday, May 21 due to a blocked water intake in the river that leaves the utility only with water that is stored in the reservoir.

The GRW is also still on a precautionary Boil Water Notice (BWN) which was issued May 17 due to a power outage that caused a loss of water.

For more information, visit the RDNO website.