By Tiffany Goodwein

Ultraviolet water treatment facility officially opens

Jun 25, 2019 | 6:06 PM

It’s essential for life, and now drinking water in the Greater Vernon district is a little cleaner thanks to a little science and UV light.

Several politicians and members of the public gathered at the Duteau Creek Water Treatment plant to mark the grand opening of the UV disinfection facility Tuesday.

A look inside the $7 million UV facility

“This is a big deal for this region, as we know with climate change, and water scarcity becoming on and off and inclement weather coming and going that in order for our area to prosper and grow, and for our residents to really enjoy everything that the North Okanagan has to offer we need clean water, it’s imperative,” Kevin Acton, chair of the Regional District of the North Okanagan, said.

The $7 million facility treats water by destroying the DNA of pathogens through its powerful UV rays.

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The use of UV rays also reduces the amount of chlorine needed to treat water and combined with other treatments it helps clear up turbidity, microorganisms, and colour.

“I moved here from the coast in 1993 and I remember working at the restaurant my first couple of months going why is the water so cloudy, not knowing how the water is treated or anything,” Akbal Mund, chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee said.

“We need water and we need good water, and right now we probably have the best water in B.C., we can say that,” he added.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming and Electoral Area B director Bob Fleming take in a tour of the water treatment plant (Tiffany Goodwein/Vernon Matters Staff)

Funding for the site was made possible through a $3.5 million Federal Gas Tax Grant and a $2.31 million Municipal Rural Infrastructure grant.

Construction began in September 2017 and the facility was built in 17 months.

The Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant treats 160 million liters of water per day and supplies water to 58,000 homes and businesses every year.

by Tiffany Goodwein

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