Isolated precautionary water quality advisories in effect as watermain flushing progresses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Isolated precautionary water quality advisories in effect as watermain flushing progresses in the Rose Valley Water Service Area

Starting Tuesday, March 21, crews will begin watermain flushing in neighbourhoods within West Kelowna’s Rose Valley Water Service Area. This will require isolated precautionary water quality advisories as the watermain flushing program progresses.

Watermain flushing will be carried out between 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, with the schedule subject to change. To help residents know when flushing is happening in their areas, crews will post signs and residents may hear and observe activity at a nearby hydrant.

This annual maintenance program will begin in the greater Rose Valley Water Service Area, which includes the Lakeview, West Kelowna Estates, and Sunnyside and Pritchard Systems. This work is happening in advance of connecting residents to the new Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, which is being commissioned later this year. 

During flushing, residents may experience reduced water pressure or discolouration. Any disruption should be brief and only occur while mains in the area are being flushed.

Visit westkelownacity.ca/flushing to find out what you need to know before, during and after flushing is complete and to keep up to date on precautionary water quality advisories, location maps and frequently asked questions.

During precautionary water quality advisories, it is recommended that the elderly, children, and anyone with compromised immunity use water brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute, or find an alternative safe source of water, for brushing teeth, making baby formula, preparing food, washing fruits and vegetables, making ice and beverages, and washing dishes. An alternative safe source is the bulk filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads. Bring clean bottles for filling.

Watermain flushing is required to remove sediment from our source water that has accumulated in the distribution system. This is accomplished by flushing water at high velocities through fire hydrants to force water through the system.

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