Okanagan Falls Irrigation District Conversion to RDOS - January 1, 2023

Amended - Lower Zone Water Quality Advisory for Manganese

January 24, 2023

Amended - The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will be issuing a Water Quality Advisory for manganese in the Lower Zone of the Okanagan Falls water system from January 30, 2023 to February 10, 2023.

This Advisory is required to accommodate maintenance work on one of the two groundwater wells that supply the Lower Zone.  A plan to clean, inspect and replace the pump in Well #5 was initiated by the Okanagan Falls Irrigation District in 2022.  The RDOS is carrying forward with this plan and work will commence on January 30, 2023.  This time of year was chosen as water demands are the lowest, allowing for Well #5 to be removed from service with Well #2 being able to supply the demand in the Lower Zone.

The Lower Zone is defined as all addresses serviced by the Okanagan Falls water system excluding the following addresses in the Upper Zone: 

Well #2, the well that will be supplying the Lower Zone during this work, has a manganese level above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) defined by the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.  The MAC is intended to protect everyone, but is based on the most vulnerable/sensitive population, infants and young children.  Exposure to manganese is based on long-term exposure, therefore, this two week work window is considered a short-term exposure.  Typically, when both Lower Zone wells are in operation, the water from Well #5 (very low manganese) blends with water from Well #2, resulting in an acceptable manganese level being supplied to the Lower Zone.  Note: chlorination of the Lower Zone will remain in effect during this time.

What is a Water Quality Advisory?

A Water Quality Advisory is a level of notification below a Boil Water Notice.  A Water Quality Advisory is used in situations where the general public health threat is modest. 

[This Water Quality Advisory is being issued to advise lower zone residents that from January 30 until February 10, 2023, the water supplied from Well #2 has higher levels of manganese.  Boiling the water will not help.]

Who may need additional protection from manganese?

• Infants and young children
• People wishing to seek additional protection

Precautionary Instructions

Residents are advised to use an alternate safe source of drinking water (i.e. bottle water) for preparing baby formula for infants and young children during this time. Note, boiling water will not remove the manganese and may increase the concentration, therefore, it is not recommended. 

Residents may observe increased discoloration or sediment in the water during this time. If you experience dirty water, simply run your cold water taps only and/or garden hose until the water runs clear. In addition, residents should check the water quality before laundering of clothing during this time to minimize potential staining or discoloration.

The RDOS would also like to remind all business owners/operators (restaurants, accommodations, etc.) and public facilities operators that it is the responsibility of said establishments to notify their customers of the Water Quality Advisory.

For further information, please contact the Utilities Department at (250) 490-4106 or (250) 490-4135.  Thank you for your cooperation.

January 23, 2023
Utilities Department

Amended - Lower Zone Water Quality Advisory for Manganese

January 24, 2023

Amended - The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will be issuing a Water Quality Advisory for manganese in the Lower Zone of the Okanagan Falls water system from January 30, 2023 to February 10, 2023.

This Advisory is required to accommodate maintenance work on one of the two groundwater wells that supply the Lower Zone.  A plan to clean, inspect and replace the pump in Well #5 was initiated by the Okanagan Falls Irrigation District in 2022.  The RDOS is carrying forward with this plan and work will commence on January 30, 2023.  This time of year was chosen as water demands are the lowest, allowing for Well #5 to be removed from service with Well #2 being able to supply the demand in the Lower Zone.

The Lower Zone is defined as all addresses serviced by the Okanagan Falls water system excluding the following addresses in the Upper Zone: 

Well #2, the well that will be supplying the Lower Zone during this work, has a manganese level above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) defined by the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.  The MAC is intended to protect everyone, but is based on the most vulnerable/sensitive population, infants and young children.  Exposure to manganese is based on long-term exposure, therefore, this two week work window is considered a short-term exposure.  Typically, when both Lower Zone wells are in operation, the water from Well #5 (very low manganese) blends with water from Well #2, resulting in an acceptable manganese level being supplied to the Lower Zone.  Note: chlorination of the Lower Zone will remain in effect during this time.

What is a Water Quality Advisory?

A Water Quality Advisory is a level of notification below a Boil Water Notice.  A Water Quality Advisory is used in situations where the general public health threat is modest. 

[This Water Quality Advisory is being issued to advise lower zone residents that from January 30 until February 10, 2023, the water supplied from Well #2 has higher levels of manganese.  Boiling the water will not help.]

Who may need additional protection from manganese?

• Infants and young children
• People wishing to seek additional protection

Precautionary Instructions

Residents are advised to use an alternate safe source of drinking water (i.e. bottle water) for preparing baby formula for infants and young children during this time. Note, boiling water will not remove the manganese and may increase the concentration, therefore, it is not recommended. 

Residents may observe increased discoloration or sediment in the water during this time. If you experience dirty water, simply run your cold water taps only and/or garden hose until the water runs clear. In addition, residents should check the water quality before laundering of clothing during this time to minimize potential staining or discoloration.

The RDOS would also like to remind all business owners/operators (restaurants, accommodations, etc.) and public facilities operators that it is the responsibility of said establishments to notify their customers of the Water Quality Advisory.

For further information, please contact the Utilities Department at (250) 490-4106 or (250) 490-4135.  Thank you for your cooperation.

January 23, 2023
Utilities Department

Lower Zone Water Quality Advisory for Manganese

January 23, 2023

Effective January 30, 2023 - Lower Zone Water Quality Advisory for Manganese (please click on the link for further details)