Utility Acquisition

There are a number of existing water and sewer systems within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) that may not meet environmental and public health standards. Many of these systems are old and do not meet minimum provincial regulation or standard municipal design. These systems often no longer have the financial ability or technical expertise required to meet current regulation. Some of these systems may have difficulty obtaining volunteers, insurance and are ineligible for provincial and federal grants.

In order to assist these communities, the Water and Sewer Utlity Aquisition Policy has been developed to create a process for the RDOS to acquire these systems while ensuring the protection of public health, the public purse and the environment. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the Regional District does not accept undue liability and has the resources to assist. This policy and any standards therein are not applicable to new development.