Watermain flushing program shifts to next section of the Lakeview Heights neighbourhood

Date of Issue: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

The City’s watermain flushing program is progressing, with crews starting work in Zone 3B (see map – RV03B) of the Rose Valley Water Service Area beginning Wednesday, July 16, 2025. An isolated, precautionary water quality advisory will be in effect within this flushing zone only while the planned maintenance program is underway and will continue until further notice.

In Zone 3A, 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 3B of the Rose Valley Service Area (see map – RV03B) may experience temporary water pressure reductions or notice increased turbidity. Any disruption or color/turbidity should be brief and occur only while mains in the area are being flushed. If you notice color/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 Zone 3B (RV03B) map 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 Zone 3B?

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 Zone 3B is scheduled for the following streets, from Wednesday, July 16 through Friday, July 25:

• 2200-2500 block of Boucherie Road
• Proserpine Road
• Hayman Road
• McKay Road
• Harmon Road
• Collingwood Road
• Winnipeg Road
• Brenmaur Road
• Rumney Road
• Stuart Road
• Issler Road
• Crestview Road
• Buena Vista Road
• Scantland Road
• Keefe Road

The City will provide subsequent street names for Zone 3B, for Monday, July 28 and beyond, via our social media channels and on our webpage at westkelownacity.ca/flushing.

While the watermain flushing is occurring, those living in Zone 3B 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