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Water discolouration clears for some West Kelowna residents

A chemical oxidant was used to help remove the manganese from the water
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West Kelowna City Hall | Photo | Gary Barnes/sa国际传媒

Some West Kelowna neighbourhoods are seeing improved water quality following efforts to remove increased manganese levels in the Rose Valley Reservoir. 

sa国际传媒淔actors such as recent extreme heat directly affecting the quality of water in the reservoir, sediment accumulation deep in the watershed and through intake pipes, and continued effects of wildfire recovery affecting the reservoir contributed to the unexpected increase in manganese and subsequent discoloured water,sa国际传媒 according to a media release from the city.

A chemical oxidant (hypochlorite), which is a form of chlorine, has been used to help remove the manganese. The chlorine is used across Canada to treat drinking water. 

Treatment began Aug. 2 and water colour had started to clear throughout the distribution system. 

sa国际传媒淒epending on where residents live in the Rose Valley Water Service Area, their water colour may have taken a few more days to clear,sa国际传媒 the release states.

The former West Kelowna Estates Area is still under a water quality advisory. Test results showed that water marginally exceeded the maximum levels for manganese. Testing and analysis are continuing.

An alternative source of drinking water is available at the bulk filling station at Asquith and Shannon Lake Roads.

sa国际传媒淭his event has demonstrated that the aging reservoir will need to be addressed more rapidly,sa国际传媒 the citysa国际传媒檚 release stats.

Technical options are being implemented over the next several months including:

  • Conducting a series of bench testing that will help guide next steps;
  • Continually aerating the water - with an old reservoir system, keeping oxygen in the water will help;
  • Greater examination of intake pipes and where water is being drawn from to help minimize root causes stemming from the reservoir.

Updates are available on the .



Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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