Rose Valley Water Service Area – Fall 2024 Update

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024

Some water users have experienced increased odor and discoloration, even though our water continues to be safe and meet the Canadian Water Drinking Standards. These fluctuations are not pleasant, despite the provincial and federal safe drinking water standards the City must adhere to in partnership with the Interior Health Authority (IHA).

There are several reasons for fluctuations in water quality, which are highlighted in this update. As we remain in the Commissioning Phase of the new plant, operational adjustments will remain ongoing to respond to changing water quality from the reservoir. These are unprecedented conditions that include continued wildfire recovery affecting the reservoir. Without the plant, our water quality would have been significantly worse from the significant damage around the reservoir.

This Fall Update Includes:

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Water Quality, Testing and Safety

WHERE TO GO

Contact the City Directly for Water Quality Questions

WHAT TO DO

Tips to Reduce Odor and Discoloration from Water Lines

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Water Quality, Testing and Safety

• As a water purveyor, the City must continue to meet federal and provincial drinking water standards. Although some discoloration and odor are not pleasant, routine and increased water quality testing assures our community that the water remains safe. The City works in partnership with IHA, and appropriate water quality advisories are issued when required. These are incredibly high standards that must be adhered to by municipalities and health authorities.

• It’s also important to note the City remains in the Commissioning Phase of the new plant. This results in adjusting operations to respond to changing water quality conditions from factors such as:
  • A reservoir that requires more rapid investments resulting from wildfire damage;
  • Seasonal transitions affecting water in the reservoir (e.g. extreme heat, high winds, high rainfall, built-up manganese in the reservoir, etc.); and
  • Continued operational adjustments, including equipment, to respond to changing conditions in the reservoir based on damage to nearly all the watershed area.

• In recent weeks, further source water dynamics occurred contributing to reported aesthetic discoloration and odor issues, which are occurring as the season transitions into fall. In the meantime, the water treatment process is performing well as it removes bacteria, parasites, sediment, colour, organics and more as the water is treated through the multistage process.

• Some of the operational adjustments include implementing an advanced oxidation system into the treatment process to help remove dissolved manganese. Further, dosing with chlorine early in the treatment process allows manganese to be removed through the dissolved air flotation and filtration processes in the plant. There may still be some minor discoloration and/or odor, but the water continues to meet federal and provincial standards. 

• These modifications are generally working well, and further design improvements are underway with City staff working with IHA, engineering consultants and source water industry experts to establish short- and long-term solutions as part of the commissioning process.

• In the past, seasonal turnovers would cause weeks or months’ long water quality advisories. Without the plant, we would be unable to make these adjustments and the effects to water quality would be significantly worse.

• Our increased and ongoing monitoring, sampling, testing and analyses continue and, if a water quality advisory is required, the City, in consultation with IHA, will issue one to water users.

For previous updates, background information and water quality updates posted online, please visit westkelownacity.ca/waterquality. 

WHERE TO GO

Always Contact the City Directly for Water Quality Questions

For questions or concerns regarding water quality, please call or email the City’s Water Utility Department directly:

• 778-797-2246
• utilities@westkelownacity.ca 

• If emailing or leaving a voice message, please do not forget to provide the address of the property, which allows the team to map occurrences more accurately throughout the new Rose Valley Water Distribution System.

Subscribe to Receive Water Quality Updates

To stay informed about water quality updates, please subscribe to receive information directly to your inbox:

• westkelownacity.ca/subscribe 

WHAT TO DO

Tips to Reduce Odor and Discoloration from Water Lines  

If you experience odor or discoloration from your taps:

• Flush Water Taps: Run water taps until cold to help flush water lines.
• Run Machinery: To flush stagnant water (e.g. dishwasher, washing machine).
• Vacation Return Routine: If returning from being away from your property, make tap-flushing a part of your returning home routine.

If you have questions about water quality, please contact the City’s Water Utilities Department at 778-797-2246.