INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is aware of recent reports of discoloured water in the Lower Zone of the Okanagan Falls water system. The RDOS appreciates the community’s patience and wants to provide clarity on this evolving situation as well as next steps.

What is causing the discolouration?

The brownish colour in the water is caused by manganese and iron reacting with the chlorine in the water and creating sediment that has settled in the pipes. When water moves quickly through the system, these sediments can be stirred up, resulting in temporary turbidity.

Recently, Well #2 was brought online for one week and was essential to maintain supply during repairs at Well #5. However, water from Well #2 contains higher levels of manganese, which formed additional precipitate in the pipes.

Is construction activity contributing to the issue?

Construction activity involving hydrant use can disturb sediments in the water system due to the higher flow rates compared to normal pipe flow. The rapid changes from turning the water on and off can further dislodge sediment. However, given the current level of precipitate in the pipes, hydrant use during construction may help flush out accumulated material from the system.

What is the RDOS doing to address this?

• Irrigation ban lifted: The irrigation ban has been removed to allow increased water use, which helps flush out sediments more quickly.
• Water system flushing: The RDOS has moved up its planned flushing program. Flushing will begin Monday, October 27, 2025, to remove accumulated manganese and iron from the pipes.
• Monitoring: If discolouration persists after flushing, the RDOS will investigate further to ensure there are no additional issues.

Water Quality Advisory update

The Water Quality Advisory for the Lower Zone of the Okanagan Falls water system remains in place. The Interior Health Authority (IHA) requires manganese testing before the advisory can be lifted. A sample was taken on October 20, 2025, and results are expected within a week.

• Last test for Well #2 (August 12, 2025): 0.24 mg/L manganese
• Maximum allowable concentration (MAC): 0.12 mg/L
• Well #5 manganese level (April 2025): 0.028 mg/L

Water from the different wells is blended to help reduce manganese concentrations in the system. While elevated manganese levels can affect water aesthetics, health concerns are primarily associated with long-term exposure.

Long-term solutions

The RDOS is actively pursuing long-term improvements, including:

• Exploring new water sources (additional wells or surface water from Skaha Lake in association with other nearby systems)
• Infrastructure upgrades to allow interconnection between zones.
• Targeted capital projects to improve water quality and reliability by 2028.

What residents can expect

• Temporary discolouration may occur during flushing or periods of high demand.
• If issues persist beyond next Friday, October 31, the RDOS will conduct further investigation.

The RDOS appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during this time.  For further information, please contact RDOS Public Works at 250-490-4135 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. For after-hours water emergencies, please call RDOS Regional Dispatch at 250-490-4141.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737 

Matt Taylor, Electoral Area “D” Director
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 
778-931-6080