In conjunction with Interior Health, the Regional District of North Okanagan will be switching the drinking water source for some customers supplied by Greater Vernon Water (GVW) in the Lavington area.
Replacement of critical valves in the area will require a partial shutdown of the transmission main from the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant. Customers in the affected area (map attached) will temporarily be changed from the Duteau water source to GVW’s secondary source - the Antwerp Deep Well. The water from Antwerp Deep Well is approved by Interior Health for use as an emergency back up source, has been tested prior to the upcoming source water change, and meets all applicable drinking water guidelines.
The switch is expected to start on October 21 and last approximately three (3) weeks. Ongoing sampling will occur throughout the project and once the repairs are completed, the water main will be refilled and sampled to confirm the water meets acceptable guidelines prior to being put back into service. When all water quality requirements have been met, residents will be switched back to Duteau water source.
Customers should not notice any interruption to their drinking water service during the source change as quantity and quality of water will be maintained throughout the project; however, customers may notice slight changes to taste, odour, or appearance due to an increase in the naturally occurring manganese found in the groundwater.
The Antwerp Deep Well is supplied from a confined aquifer and the well is protected with an annular seal. As the source is classified as “groundwater” that is not influenced by surface water, the source is treated with chlorine only as per provincial standards. Some customers may wish to boil their water for at least one (1) minute when preparing any food, drinking, washing fruits & vegetables, making beverages or ice or when brushing teeth – however it is not required in terms of water quality or safety.
Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
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For media inquiries:
Stacey Raftus, Communications Officer
communications@rdno.ca