Watermain flushing pauses temporarily in former West Kelowna Estates System, continues in Pritchard

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024

Effective immediately, the isolated, precautionary water quality advisory for the former West Kelowna Estates System Zones 1 and 2 is being rescinded. Watermain flushing within the West Kelowna Estates Zones is paused and is anticipated to resume in mid- to late-October, subject to weather and other factors.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 18, crews have been conducting watermain flushing in a small section of the former Sunnyside/Pritchard Water System (see map – portion of SS02). An isolated, precautionary water quality advisory remains in effect in this specified area while the flushing is underway and will continue until further notice.

Flushing forces high-velocity water through hydrants to remove sediment that has accumulated in the distribution system’s mains over time. During flushing, customers in this section of the former Sunnyside/Pritchard System may experience reduced water pressure and/or discoloration when crews are working at a nearby hydrant.

To learn about what steps customers should take before, during and after flushing, please visit westkelownacity.ca/flushing.

Please visit Interior Health’s Drinking Water Resources For Everyone webpage for Water Quality Advisory information. Please note, during the watermain flushing program, the City is also providing residents with an alternative free source of drinking water at the bulk filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads. Bring clean bottles for filling. Please note possible traffic pattern changes and detours due to the Shannon Lake Active Transportation Corridor project.

We appreciate customers’ patience and understanding during this important maintenance.

How will you know if flushing is happening in your area?

1. Watermain flushing will occur 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday; the schedule is subject to change due to weather and other factors.
2. To help residents know when flushing is happening in their areas, crews will post signs and residents may hear and observe City staff and vehicles working at a nearby hydrant.
3. Residents may notice water being safely directed to an adjacent storm sewer or being hauled away in an on-site water truck.
4. The City will provide updates through our eNotification system as flushing progresses to other zones; remain signed up to receive City news and alerts, directly to your email inbox, and invite your friends and neighbours to sign up at westkelownacity.ca/subscribe.

Where can I learn more about the watermain flushing program?

The annual watermain flushing is a best practices utility maintenance program that is continuing as planned, within the new Rose Valley Water Service Area, which is receiving clean, safe, and reliable water from the state-of-the-art Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant. The Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant’s service area includes the former Lakeview, West Kelowna Estates, and Sunnyside/Pritchard Systems.

Visit westkelownacity.ca/flushing to learn more:

• View the water quality map to stay informed of water quality status in your area.
• Find location maps of watermain flushing zones.
• Read the frequently asked questions.