RDNO urges halt on new wells due to water supply concerns

The Regional District of North Okanagan has urged the province to not allow new groundwater wells be dug due to Kal Lake water supply concerns.

Early results from a study into the groundwater in the Coldstream Valley showed wells impact the supply at Kalamalka Lake, both directly and through low flows at Coldstream Creek.

With the ongoing water shortage and the low levels at Kal Lake, which supply people in the area with water, the RDNO was asking the B.C. government to not approve applications for new groundwater wells until the studies were completed and the findings were confirmed.

“Protecting water resources today can help prevent future challenges for residents, businesses, and agriculture,” Greater Vernon Advisory Committee representative and Mayor of Vernon, Victor Cumming, said.