Antwerp well water quality being monitored for high mineral content

Jul 30, 2026 | 4:57 PM

The quality of the water coming out of the Antwerp Deep Well continues to be monitored as it’s tapped for use this summer.

Due to the water scarcity in the region and under Stage 3 Water Restrictions, many properties in Coldstream and Lavington were moved from the Duteau Creek source onto the well water.

People may have noticed a change in the water hardness, taste, smell and look, as the well water is drawn from a protected groundwater aquifer that is high in mineral content.

Compared to Duteau, Antwerp Deep Well contains higher levels of naturally occurring manganese, which when exposed to oxygen and chlorine during treatment or distribution can oxidize, forming solid particles that can change the colour of the water.

The mineral is also heavy and settles in the water mains, which can then be resuspended and carried through a distribution system when water flow increases or changes direction. Due to this, Greater Vernon Water is working to ensure the flow direction changes are minimal, and that poor quality water is moved out of the system.

manganese in the water

Antwerp well water quality being monitored for high mineral content

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Although manganese can affect the appearance, it does not necessarily pose a health risk unless exposed to the maximum allowable concentration of 01.2mg/L over a period of 70 years. Some recent samples have come back with the maximum allowable concentration this summer, but officials said those occurrences were localized to small areas and limited periods of time.

Those above-recommended samples were found:

June 23 – Hydrant at 6730 Highway 6, 0.18 mg/L
June 23 – Hydrant at Lavington Elementary, 0.27 mg/L
June 23 – Giles Drive BO, 0.37 mg/L
June 29 – Giles Drive BO, 0.12 mg/L
July 8 – Highway 6 SS, 0.14 mg/L
July 14 – Brewer Road SS, 0.39 mg/L

Interior Health has been granted access to all the sample testing, and as of time of publication it was not recommending any actions beyond consistent testing and monitoring.

The RDNO committed to monitor the water quality and working with IH should trends indicate sustained high manganese concentrations in the water.

Interior Health advised anyone with health-related questions or concerns about manganese concentration in drinking water to consult their health care provider.

by Liam Verster

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