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By Liam Verster
Water Utility Upgrades

Grindrod Water System’s service life to be extended with new upgrades

Feb 27, 2025 | 10:48 AM

The system providing drinking water to people in Grindrod will be getting some upgrades.

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) said the Grindrod Water Utility is a single building that houses a packaged water treatment system, which diverts water from the Shuswap River into a single train packaged up-flow clarifier and filtration system.

This system had been experiencing corrosion and aging, and the RDNO confirmed that upgrades would be made to ensure it continues to serve area customers.

The treatment plant will see two new water meters installed, and the existing piping and valves would be upgraded to improve reliability and extend the system’s service life.

“This project emphasizes our commitment to ensuring that our community has access to safe, clean, and reliable water”, Allysa Hopkins, Director of RDNO Electoral Area F, said.

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“These upgrades will enhance the lifespan of our water treatment facility and support the long-term sustainability and health of our residents. We are dedicated to investing in the future of our community, and this project is a step in that direction.”

The upgrades would cost $311,000 and be fully funded through the Canada Community-Building Fund, a federal funding stream aimed at supporting infrastructure projects.

“The federal government is proud to see improvements coming to the Grindrod Water Treatment Plant. Investments in modern water infrastructure are essential to ensuring the health and wellbeing of our communities,” Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, stated.

“We will continue to work with our partners to build more sustainable and resilient communities across British Columbia.”

Work to upgrade the facility was scheduled to begin in March of 2025, and be completed by the following May.

by Liam Verster
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