Updated July 23, 2024
City of Enderby Reduces Water Quality Advisory Duration to End at Noon on July 25, 2024
The City of Enderby is advising drinking water consumers that it is ending its Water Quality Advisory early. The Water Quality Advisory will now end at noon on July 25, 2024. The water quality advisory has been in effect since July 23, 2024.
The City of Enderby issued the Water Quality Advisory as a precaution associated with planned distribution system testing. The system testing is necessary to prepare for the reconstruction of its lower reservoir.
Based on the outcomes of the test that necessitated the Water Quality Advisory, the length of time that it will take for water in the system to return to its typical quality is less than anticipated. Residents may notice City Public Works crew flushing water from hydrants over the next several days in order to improve the water turnover rate in the system.
For the remainder of the Water Quality Advisory, users with weakened immune systems or wishing additional protection should take the following precautions when drinking, washing fruit and vegetables, making beverages or ice, or when brushing teeth:
- Boil water rapidly for at least 1 minute or use an alternate safe source of water.
- Use a hand sanitizer after washing your hands.
For further information, contact the City of Enderby at 250-838-7230 or info@cityofenderby.com. If you notice any changes in your drinking water during the system testing, such as a variation in pressure, colour, clarity, or availability, please complete the form at www.cityofenderby.com/water-bypass.
Original message:
GUNTER-ELLISON WATER SYSTEM – Advance Notice to Residents of City of Enderby Water Distribution Testing
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) advises customers supplied by Gunter-Ellison Water (GEW) that planned work by the City of Enderby from July 3 to 24, 2024 might result in changes to water quality.
Why is this notice in place?
The City of Enderby is preparing to reconstruct its lower reservoir from fall 2024 through spring 2025. The structure is failing and needs to be enlarged to meet current and future demands. During construction the City’s water distribution system will operate differently, as it will bypass the lower reservoir and send water directly to the upper reservoir.
While the bypass configuration has been tested for brief durations, the City of Enderby will be testing it for a longer period, starting July 3 to July 24, in order to perform various "stress tests" on the system to simulate challenging scenarios such as a structure fire, water break, or loss of a water source.
It is expected that one such test will involve the issuance of a precautionary Water Quality Advisory due to drinking water only receiving one of its usual two disinfection barriers; the Water Quality Advisory will be announced in advance, as its timing depends on other aspects of the bypass testing.
What should affected customers do?
From July 3 to July 24, when the water distribution system is operating in bypass mode, the City of Enderby is inviting water customers to complete a form at www.cityofenderby.com/water-bypass if they note any changes in their drinking water quality. This will help the City of Enderby to diagnose anomalies with the bypass configuration that need to be addressed, prior to construction of the lower reservoir.
Please note that this form is only to report drinking water changes during the bypass testing. For other water quality concerns, please report the issue to the City of Enderby at info@cityofenderby.com.
Where can I find updates?
Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news (filter by Water Notices).
If you have any questions, please contact the RDNO Utilities Department at 250-550-3700