Watermain flushing program expands to additional areas of the Lakeview Heights neighbourhood

Date of Issue: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025

The City’s watermain flushing program is progressing, with crews continuing to work in Zone RV03B, and expanding to Zones RV03C and RV03D (see map) of the Rose Valley Water Service Area, beginning Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025.

An isolated, precautionary water quality advisory will be in effect, only within these flushing zones, while the planned maintenance program 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 this process, customers in Zones RV03B, RV03C and RV03D of the Rose Valley Water Service Area may experience temporary water pressure reductions or notice increased turbidity. Any disruption or colour/turbidity should be brief and occur only while mains in the area are being flushed. 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 10 minutes, please call us at 778-797-2246.

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

Where will our crews be flushing

In response to customers’ requests, we have reduced the size of each flushing zone going forward, to better help residents know more specifically where crews will be working. We will also be providing a list of streets. Work in Zones RV03B, RV03C and RV03D is scheduled for the following streets, from Thursday, Aug. 21 through Tuesday, Sept. 2:

• Anders Road
• Skyline Road
• Olalla Road
• Teal Road
• Stevenson Road
• Wellington Road
• 2600-2800 block of Thacker Drive
• Douglas Road
• Kerry Lane
• Dogwood Road
• Hawthorne Road
• Collens Hill Road
• Lakeview Road
• Lakeridge Road
• Weatherhill Road

• Casa Palmero Drive
• 2523-2663 Lucinde Road
• 2564-2607 Campbell Road

The City will provide subsequent street names for Wednesday, Sept. 3 and beyond, via our social media channels and on our webpage at westkelownacity.ca/flushing.

While the watermain flushing is occurring, those living in Zones RV03B, RV03C and RV03D (see map) will be on an isolated, precautionary water quality advisory. 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 planned annual maintenance program is continuing as scheduled within the Rose Valley Water 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. Flushing will occur from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, with some possible 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; the City will also provide an updated list of street names, via social media and our dedicated webpage at westkelownacity.ca/flushing, as the flushing moves through each zone.
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 also provide updates through our 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 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