Watermain flushing resumes in Shannon Lake neighbourhood

Date of Issue: Monday, March 9, 2026

The City of West Kelowna’s watermain flushing program is resuming, with crews scheduled to return to work in Zones RV05A and C (see map), starting in parts of the Shannon Lake neighbourhood, within the Rose Valley Water Service Area, beginning Tuesday, March 10.

An isolated, precautionary water quality advisory, related to the watermain flushing, will be in effect, only within Zones RV05A and C. The advisory will continue until the work is completed within the next few weeks. The schedule is subject to weather and other factors. The City will keep customers informed and issue an update when flushing is scheduled to move to the next zone.

During flushing, residents may notice pressure changes and some of the accumulated sediment from the watermains may make its way to customers taps; this is why a zone-specific water quality advisory is in effect within Zones RV05A and C as a precaution for customers. If you notice colour/turbidity, do not drink the water and run the cold tap for several minutes until clear. If water does not run clear after 20 minutes, please call the Utilities Department at 778-797-2246. Pressure changes or colour/turbidity should be brief and occur only while mains in the area are being flushed.

Flushing in Zone RV05A had begun in late October, but colder overnight and early morning temperatures have required the work to be suspended since early December.

Where crews will be flushing mains

To better help our customers know specifically where flushing will be occurring within each zone, the City will provide updated street lists. Work in Zones RV05A and C is scheduled for the following streets beginning Tuesday, March 10 and continuing for the next two weeks approximately:

• Shannon Ridge Drive
• 1900-2230 Upper Sundance Drive
• 3400 Block of Sundance Drive
• Fieldstone Court
• Auburn Road
• 2955-2973 Ensign Way
• Ensign Lane
• Hihannah Drive
• 2050-2115 Shannon Way
• Sundance Court
• Asquith Court

About the water quality advisory and a caution for parents with infants

While the watermain flushing is occurring, those living in Zones RV05A and C (see map) will be on an isolated, precautionary water quality advisory. For water quality advisory information, please visit Interior Health’s Drinking Water For Everyone webpage. 

Due to the potential for settled manganese in the mains to be stirred up while watermain flushing is occurring, it is recommended that parents with infants in Zones RV05A and C not use tap water to reconstitute formula.

During the watermain flushing program, the City is 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.

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

1. Flushing will occur from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, with possible weekend, holiday or evening work.

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; the City will also provide an updated list of street names, via social media and our dedicated webpage at westkelownacity.ca/flushing, as flushing moves through each zone.

3. Residents may notice water being safely directed to an adjacent storm sewer or transported off site in a water truck.

4. The City will also provide updates through the City’s eNotification system, social media and website when flushing progresses to other zones.

5. 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 the 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.

Where can I learn more about the watermain flushing program?

Flushing is a best practices watermain maintenance program. High velocity water is forced through hydrants to remove sediment that has accumulated in the distribution system’s mains over time.

To learn more, please visit westkelownacity.ca/flushing to:

• View the water quality map and see the various flushing zones.
• Find guides for before, during and after flushing and answers to frequently asked questions.

Watch a video on the City’s watermain flushing program.