Watermain flushing program moves to Rose Valley neighbourhoods

Date of Issue: Monday, April 14, 2024

The City’s annual watermain flushing program is progressing, with crews beginning work in Zone 1 (see map) of the Rose Valley Service Area on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. An isolated, precautionary water quality advisory will be in effect within this area while the work is underway and continuing until further notice.

In Zone 3 – Sunnyside/Pritchard, the watermain flushing is complete, and the related isolated, precautionary water quality advisory for that zone has now ended. 

Flushing forces high-velocity water through hydrants to remove sediment that has accumulated in the distribution system’s mains over time. During this process, customers in Zone 1 of the Rose Valley Service Area (see map) may experience temporary water pressure reductions or discoloration. Any disruption should be brief and occur only while mains in the area are being flushed.

To see the Zone 1 map and learn about recommended steps customers should take before, during and after flushing in your area, please visit westkelownacity.ca/flushing.

As the watermain flushing progresses, those living in Zone 1 will be on an isolated, precautionary Water Quality Advisory. This advisory does not apply outside Zone 1 as it relates only to the flushing activity occurring within that particular area. For Water Quality Advisory information, please visit Interior Health’s Drinking Water Resources For Everyone webpage.

Please note, during the watermain flushing program, the City is also providing residents with an alternative source of potable drinking water at the bulk filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads. Please bring clean bottles for filling.

The annual maintenance program is continuing as planned, following the original schedule, within the new Rose Valley Service Area.

We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this essential maintenance.

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

1. Watermain flushing will occur from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, with the possibility of some weekend and evening work. The schedule is subject to change due to weather and other factors.
2. To help residents know when flushing is occurring in their area, crews will post signs, and residents may hear and see City staff and vehicles working at a nearby hydrant.
3. Residents may notice water being safely directed to an adjacent storm sewer or transported away in an on-site water truck.
4. The City will provide updates through our eNotification system as flushing progresses to other zones. Stay signed up to receive City news and alerts directly to your email inbox, and invite your neighbours to sign up at westkelownacity.ca/subscribe.

Manganese and Flushing

Flushing helps remove accumulated sediment, which can include manganese, which has settled in our distribution pipes and mains over time and can be stirred up through high flows and velocities. This is expected for a water system of this age, which had no water treatment plant for decades.

Caution for parents with infants

Due to the potential for settled manganese in our mains to be stirred up from planned watermain flushing, we recommend that parents with infants in the Rose Valley Water Service Area not use tap water to reconstitute formula while watermain flushing is occurring within their zone.

Where can I learn more about the watermain flushing program?

The annual watermain flushing is a best practices utility maintenance program.

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
• Watch our video on the City’s watermain flushing program