Water treatment switched to chlorine from U.V.

Last fall, a leak was discovered in the pipe that carries water from the Duteau Creek Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection facility to customers. A temporary fix allowed for the treatment plant to continue running.

This spring, the plan to repair the leak was postponed due to snow and waiting for a mechanical part; therefore, the permanent fix was postponed until irrigation season was completed. Greater Vernon Water will now be working on a permanent fix.

This means the UV portion of water treatment will be temporarily turned-off to allow for repairs. While water will not be treated with UV, the water will still be treated with the clarification process through diffused air floatation and chlorine by the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant. This is the same treatment process that was in place for years until the UV facility was turned on in February 2019.

Out of an abundance of caution, and to notify customers of the change in treatment, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is sharing this water quality notification.

“The water is still treated and is safe,” Tricia Brett, the RDNO’s water quality manager said. “This work is continuing from a previous leak.”

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All customers on the GVW water system are currently on the Duteau Creek Water Source. The Kalamalka Lake source was turned off on October 24, 2020 due to increased algae counts. An investigation continues into the large blue green algae bloom which was about 10 times larger than any counts in the past.

Out of an abundance of caution, anyone wishing additional protection, including infants, and those with a compromised immune system may wish to boil water for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making beverages or ice, or when brushing teeth.