Greater Vernon Water Quality Program

RDNO Water Utilities are responsible for developing a water quality program which is reviewed by Interior Health. These water quality programs ensure that our potable water supply meets Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines and the BC Drinking Water Protection Act and Regulations.

Interior Health Brochure - The Countdown Safer Water, An Explanation of Water Treatment Objectives

Greater Vernon Water (GVW) follows our Water Quality Monitoring Plan as approved by Interior Health (IH), which is dedicated to achieving safe, clean, reliable drinking water as an essential component of a healthy community. Annual and monthly water quality reports are published to ensure transparency.

- Duteau Distribution at PRV 2 (July)
- Duteau Distribution at PRV 2 (March)
- Kalamalka Lake Distribution at Allenby PS (July)
- Kalamalka Lake Distribution at Allenby PS (March)
* Please note that this will be completed every five (5) years *

GVW Water Quality Monitoring Program Testing Program at a Glance FAQs Glossary of Terms

Monthly water quality reports summarize water quality monitoring parameters such as: chlorine, bacterial, turbidity and Ultra Violet Transmissivity. There are over 2,000 bacterial samples tested for the Greater Vernon Water (GVW) water system annually. Other tests include metals, nitrates and disinfection by products such as trihalomethanes. Water quality monitoring results are provided to IH by the 15 of each month and annually by June 30 of the following year.

Greater Vernon Water (GVW) has no known lead water mains. We enhance drinking water during the treatment process at the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant with either pH control or the addition of zinc orthophosphate. The zinc orthophosphate forms a protective coating inside all pipes and creates a barrier between pipes and water to help prevent the metal in the pipes from leaching into the water.

We sample our water routinely to make sure it meets Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, which includes sampling for lead at two of our sites within Greater Vernon Water which have never had lead levels exceeding the current Health Canada guideline. The two sites are the Allenby Pump Station (receives water from Kalamalka Lake) and Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) #2 (receives water from Duteau Creek). The current laboratory results from these two sites are located under the Water Quality Reports and Analysis section below the section titled "Comprehensive Drinking Water Analysis by Distribution" and listed as "Kalamalka Distribution Site - Allenby Pump Station" and "Duteau Creek Distribution - PRV #2).

What Residents Can Do to Avoid Lead in Their Homes

It is important for residents to understand that most cases of lead in drinking water are from private connections. Your house may have lead in the pipes, plumbing materials or in the service bringing water from our infrastructure into your house.

If you suspect your pipes have traces of lead which could leach into your drinking water, consider taking the following steps:
1. Turn on your tap and let the water run until it is colder before consuming it.
2. Remove and clean aerators within your home periodically to eliminate possible lead particle buildup in taps.
3. Purchase a water filtration system that is NSF International standard certified to remove lead.
4. Contact a certified plumber to inspect the pipes for lead and evaluate the possibility of replacement.
5. Always use cold tap water for drinking or cooking, as hot water can have higher lead concentrations.
Resources

Contact(s)

Greater Vernon Water

utilities@rdno.ca

250-550-3700