Since the no outdoor watering message on July 22, 2024, there has been a reduction in water use and the reservoir that feeds Grindrod Water Utility (GRW) customers is currently at 35% of usable volume. Based on today’s water use reduction, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is planning to supply essential water use only to customers tomorrow during the planned shutdown.
Only essential indoor water use will be available tomorrow during the shutdown, if the stored water is used before the work is complete, customers will lose water.
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.
June 17, 2024 - Original Notice
The Grindrod Water Treatment Plant will see installation of a standby power generator to allow systems to operate during a power outage, reducing the need for Boil Water Notices.
The Grindrod Water Utility experiences frequent power outages, which can result in the depressurization of the water distribution system. Public health regulators require a Boil Water Notice to be issued in these cases due to an increased risk of infiltration of untreated or contaminated water into the water distribution system associated with a loss of system pressure. With the installation of a new generator, these notices are expected to decrease.
Significant electrical upgrades are being completed in conjunction with the generator installation to allow for seamless operation of the generator, improve the corrosion resistance of critical electrical components and facilitate future operational upgrades to the plant. The existing electrical infrastructure within the plant has experienced significant corrosion due to the high-humidity environment associated with the water treatment process. This has led to several cases of premature equipment failure in recent years, which resulted in disruptions to service.
“These upgrades to the water treatment plant will be a significant improvement” stated Keiko Parker, Small Utilities Manager. “It will reduce long term maintenance costs and improve the resilience of the water system longer term”.
Construction is expected to begin June 2024 and be completed August 2024.
This project is fully funded in the amount of $460,000 by Community Works Funds from Electoral Area “F”. For additional project information, click here. For more information, please call 250.550.3700, or email utilities@rdno.ca.
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