Since moving back to Vernon in 2005 (born and raised here in the ’50s), we were quite disappointed with how behind we are with our water utility.
Both the potable water and the irrigation systems should have been separated years ago. I blame in part the past mayors and councils for ignoring this vital asset, along with the powers in today’s councils. It seems each term in office has shrugged it off to the next council, and so it goes.
We cannot afford every upgrade at the cost of $70 million. But we should look at what should be done first at a reasonable cost.
First and foremost, separate potable from irrigation. Prior councils should be commended for their insight on using effluent irrigation, but be given a failing grade on the upgrade to a downtown sewage plant. Shame on you.
After line separation, one can effectively, install and afford sand and charcoal filters for potable water. The water turbidity should be 0.1 to 0.5 parts per million micros, total dissolved solids instead of 1.0 as a limit. Never mind the organic compound. A reading of 1.0 is too high of a turbidity for the chlorine to sufficiently kill all the bacteria. Hence, water alerts.
Build settling ponds with a weir system before the water reaches the utility plant. The ponds would be large enough to give a 24-hour retention time to effectively treat the water. Aluminum would then have sufficient time to drop out the suspended matter.
Perhaps the folks in Lumby, Lavington and Coldstream could draw on Duteau Creek water only. Also, stop the contaminated run-off entering Kalamalka Lake.
Extend the Kal Lake water intake further out by 500 metres.
Large lines are installed similar to this in industry everyday. We are currently short circuiting our flows.
In order for the utility to become a viable operation, we seriously need to look at expanding our infrastructure, to encompass a good part of the North Okanagan. This can only be done through local and provincial politicians.
This would mean incorporating outlining areas under the Vernon umbrella (yes, I mean amalgamation). The higher the customer base/revenue, the more affordable this will become.
We are past the age of kingdoms and fiefdoms.
Some will fear losing their crowns. A ward system would replace this and give all of the Regional District of North Okanagan folks an equal say. A council member or two from each surrounding area, under one mayor, for a stronger voice in Victoria.
Bill Luchak
Vernon
