Due to the overuse of water this past weekend, the water reservoir that feeds Grindrod Water Utility (GRW) customers is nearly empty. The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) advises customers supplied by the GRW that effective immediately, no outdoor watering is permitted. A map of the affected area is below.
The Grindrod Water Treatment Plant (GRWTP) has been operating at full capacity, and due to excessively high-water use, reservoir levels cannot be maintained. If residents continue to use water at the current rate, the reservoir will become empty, leaving no water for essential household use.
Further to this, there is a planned shutdown scheduled on July 24, 2024 at the GRWTP to complete one step of the generator install which is needed to support a resilient water supply. The RDNO has a plan in place to supply essential water use to customers during the shutdown; however, outdoor watering must stop immediately to allow the reservoir to refill before the generator project begins. If the reservoir is not able to fill, customers will not have water for essential use during the July 24 planned construction work.
Under these water restrictions, residents may water by hand with a watering can or with a hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle but are asked to do so only to maintain plant health. Under no circumstances can hoses or sprinklers be left running unattended as this will increase the risk of emptying the reservoir and the utility entirely losing water.
The RDNO will notify customers when the system is operating normally but ask residents to follow normal restrictions for Grindrod. For more information, visit https://www.rdno.ca/grw/grindrod-water-utility-restrictions.
Why is this notice in place?
Overuse of water has significantly lowered reservoir levels in the past week and there is a risk of running out of water now and not having enough supply for essential use on July 24, 2024. As of July 22, 2024, the reservoir is at 11% and continuing to lower.
Construction of the GRWTP generator will require a plant shut down on July 24, 2024 to complete a portion of the work. During this planned shutdown, preparations have been made to ensure customers still receive limited treated drinking water for essential household use. If the stored water is used before the work is complete, customers will lose water for all purposes until the project is completed.
What should affected customers do?
Effective on July 24, 2024 water use is only permitted for essential household purpose for 24 hours. It is suggested that you store a short-term water supply for cooking, washing hands and toilet use before this planned work.
Outdoor watering is not allowed effective immediately for all customers who receive water from GRW. The only exception is residents may water by hand with a watering can or with a hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle but are asked to do so only to maintain plant health.
Where can I find updates?
Customers will be notified of updates at www.rdno.ca/news (filter by Water Notices) and the RDNO’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RDNorthOkanagan. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
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