UPDATE OCT. 30:
The Regional District of North Okanagan has completed the planned infrastructure renewal project, which required switching the water source for many Greater Vernon Water customers.
As of Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 30, 2024), affected areas have returned to the Duteau Water Treatment Plant, which is their normal source.
"We thank all affected customers for their patience while work was completed," said the RDNO.
UPDATE OCT. 18:
Water will be supplied from some different sources with some upcoming waterworks taking place.
Greater Vernon Water will be replacing critical valves in the Lavington area and will require a partial shutdown of the transmission main from the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant.
As two areas will be receiving water from a different source than usual during the work:
- Customers on the map in “Area A” will receive water from the Kalamalka Source.
- Customers on the map in “Area B” will receive water from the Antwerp Deep Well (Deep well), as previously notified.
Customers should not notice any interruption to their drinking water service during the source changes as the quantity of water will be maintained; however, those now receiving water from the Kalamalka source will notice the water is harder than usual. Similarly, those now receiving water from the Deep well source will notice the water is harder than usual;and may notice discolouration (brown or black) or a slight metallic taste/odour due to the naturally occurring manganese found in the groundwater.
The water in the Deep well is from a confined aquifer, which means it is stored between two (2) layers of rock or clay that will not let water pass through. The well is further protected with an annular seal.
Enhanced and ongoing sampling will occur throughout the project area. Once the repairs are completed, the transmission main will be refilled and tested to confirm the water meets guidelines before being delivered to customers and the system returning to normal operating conditions.
Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
ORIGINAL OCT. 5:
Some Lavington residents will have their drinking water source switched for about three weeks while crews make "critical" valve replacements.
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), in conjunction with Interior Health, announced the switch for some customers supplied by Greater Vernon Water (GVW) is expected to begin Oct. 21 and last about three weeks.
Replacement of valves in the area will require a partial shutdown of the transmission main from the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant. Customers in the area shown on the map in the above gallery will be temporarily changed from the Duteau water source to GVW's secondary source, the Antwerp Deep Well.
The RDNO says the water from Antwerp Deep Well is approved by Interior Health for use as an emergency backup source, has been tested prior to the upcoming water source change and meets all applicable drinking water guidelines.
Ongoing sampling will occur throughout the project and once the repairs are completed, the water main will be refilled and sampled to confirm the water meets acceptable guidelines prior to being put back into service. When all water quality requirements have been met, residents will be switched back to Duteau water source.
Affected residents should not notice any interruption to their drinking water service during the source change as quantity and quality of water will be maintained throughout the project. However, they may notice slight changes to taste, odour or appearance due to an increase in the naturally occurring manganese found in the groundwater.
The Antwerp Deep Well is supplied from a confined aquifer and the well is protected with an annular seal. As the source is classified as groundwater that is not influenced by surface water, the source is treated with chlorine only as per provincial standards.
Some customers may wish to boil their water for at least one minute when preparing food, drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making beverages or ice or when brushing teeth, however the RDNO says this is not required in terms of water quality or safety.
