Boil water notice downgraded

The City of West Kelowna has downgraded a Boil Water Notice to a Water Quality Advisory for the entire Lakeview-Rose Valley Water Service Area.

View the city’s water quality map to confirm if your property is in the affected service area.

Turbidity had spiked last week due to seasonal conditions in Rose Valley Reservoir, requiring the entire system to go on a Boil Water Notice. While higher than normal turbidity continues to be a seasonal factor causing turbidity in the reservoir, it has subsided to levels low enough that only a Water Quality Advisory is required.

Under a Boil Water Notice, it is recommended that everyone in the system boil water for one minute or more, or seek an alternative safe source, for brushing teeth, drinking, making baby formula, preparing food and beverages and ice and washing fruits and vegetables. Under a Water Quality Advisory, it is recommended that only people with weak immunity, including young children and the elderly, follow these instructions.

Turbidity effects the performance of the chlorine disinfection process because bacteria, protozoa, viruses and other microorganisms can attach themselves to suspended particles in the turbid water. The higher the turbidity, the more these particles can interfere with disinfection by shielding the microorganisms from the chlorine.

A safe alternate source of water is available at the bulk filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads. Access to the station will be free during the Water Quality Advisory. Please bring clean bottles and hoses for filling. The tap is located on the Asquith Road side of the station.

The Water Quality Advisory will remain in effect until further notice.