UPDATE: Greater Vernon Back To Two Water Sources

Apr 12, 2019 | 3:05 PM

UPDATE

The Kalamalka Lake water source has been turned back on now that turbidity levels have returned to normal.

“The decision to turn the Kalamalka Lake water source back on was based on reduced turbidity and good ultra violet disinfection levels,” says a release from the Regional District of North Okanagan.

That means Greater Vernon homes and businesses are back to getting water from the Kal Lake and Duteau Creek sources, although most customers don’t notice any difference between the two supplies.

RDNO says there is a possibility that Kal Lake will be turned off again if turbidity levels rise again.

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“Staff continue to monitor water quality and will notify customers of any changes,” says the release.

April 9

Most homes and business in Greater Vernon are now all getting their water from one source, the Duteau Creek system.

Normally there are two sources, but the Regional District of North Okanagan decided to turn off the Kalamalka Lake supply Wednesday evening due to increased turbidity.

“The decision to remove the Kalamalka Lake water source was based on increased turbidity due to a combination of milfoil removal near Kalamalka beach and spring run-off. Water will be supplied from the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant until turbidity decreases in Kalamalka Lake,”says an RDNO news release.

Customers who are not normally on the Duteau Creek source will notice the water is much softer and has a low alkalinity and pH, which may have an impact on people with in-home water treatment systems or aquariums.

“Staff will continue to monitor water quality, notify customers of any further changes and when the Kalamalka Lake water source is turned back on,” adds the release.

by Corey Fischer