Improvements for Rose Valley Reservoir source water in the works

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024

City of West Kelowna staff continue to work with industry experts on source water quality improvements, related to fluctuating conditions in Rose Valley Reservoir, which have contributed to variations in taste, odor and discoloration in some areas of the Rose Valley Water Service Area this past summer and fall.

The City shares residents’ concerns about the source water quality, and staff are scheduled to bring forward recommended improvements to Council for consideration as early as the Nov. 26 Council meeting. Solutions being investigated include new aeration methods and a permanent advance oxidation system.

Some water users have experienced increased odor and discoloration, even though water from the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant continues to be safe and meets Canadian Water Drinking Standards, based on continued and increased monitoring, sampling and testing. The City must adhere to strict provincial and federal drinking water guidelines in consultation with Interior Health.

If, at any time, testing indicates that the water is not safe, the City of West Kelowna issues a water quality advisory, in consultation with Interior Health, to the public and the media. Residents should remain signed up at westkelownacity.ca/subscribe, to receive City news and alerts directly to their inboxes.

Reasons for source water quality fluctuations

Fluctuating water quality in the reservoir is related to various environmental factors that include wildfire damage, extreme heat, and activities in the watershed, over which the City has no control. Their effects on the reservoir’s water quality change throughout the year but are typically most prevalent in the spring/early summer and fall during seasonal turnovers.

Without Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, water quality would have been significantly worse from the significant damage around the reservoir. The plant’s multistage water treatment process is performing well as it removes bacteria, parasites, sediment, colour, organics and more. Some minor discoloration and/or odor may occur, but the water continues to meet federal and provincial standards.

It is also important to note that the City remains in the Commissioning Phase of the new plant. This results in adjusting operations, including equipment, to respond to changing water quality conditions.  These modifications are generally working well, and further design improvements are underway with City staff working with Interior Health, engineering consultants and source water industry experts to establish short- and long-term solutions.

Who to contact

For questions or concerns regarding water quality, including colour, taste and odor, please contact the City’s Public Works – Utilities Department at utilities@westkelownacity.ca.