Update: May 8, 3 p.m.
Test results on Penticton’s water supply show no contamination but the city says the water quality advisory for about 2,500 homes will continue.
According to a release, more testing is needed and ongoing. The city expects to review the situation with Interior Health around noon on May 9 and issue an update to the public.
The water quality advisory came after a water main break on May 6. Just after 12.30 a.m. the automatic monitoring for the city’s water distribution system reported a significant drop in water pressure at the Randolph Road chlorination station and the Duncan Avenue reservoir, followed by a water level drop in the Evergreen reservoir, indicating a major water loss from the system.
At about 5 a.m. crews concluded the break had occurred under Ellis Creek and took steps to isolate the break and restore the supply of water to the affected part of the system.
A list of the street addresses under advisory are available on the city’s website .
Naramata has joined the list of communities under water quality advisories.
Early this morning, the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen issued a boil water notice for the entire Naramata water system in response to recent increasing turbidity in Okanagan Lake.
Debris has entered Okanagan Lake from the fast flowing creeks that feed the lake and turbidity levels have reached 10 NTU exceeding the specifications of the UV Treatment Plant.
The Boil Water Notice will remain in effect until further notice.
Residents are advised to use a safe alternate source of water or to boil water for all drinking, oral hygiene and food preparation/cooking purposes. Water should be brought to a full boil and allowed to boil for at least 1 minute to reduce the risk of infection from pathogens that may be found in the water.
Residents on the Sage Mesa system are also on a boil water notice, and about 2,500 homes in Penticton have been issued a water quality advisory.
The RDOS reminds business owners/operators (bed and breakfasts) and public facilities operators that it is the responsibility of said establishments to notify their customers of the boil water notice.
Continued high water has created localized flooding for areas across the Regional District.
Electoral Area ‘F’ (West Bench, Sage Mesa, Faulder, rural Summerland)
Sage Mesa – A boil water notice is in effect for all users due to increase in turbidity in Okanagan Lake.
Faulder – Darke Creek is running full, causing localized flooding along Fish Lake Rd. Sand bags have been delivered to affected residents.
Electoral Area ‘E’ (Naramata, Glenfir, Indian Rock)
Chute Creek flooding has caused several roads to become impassable until water levels recede. The Kettle Valley Railroad Trail in the Chute Lake section is also affected and difficult to traverse. It is recommended to avoid that area until further notice.
Indian Rock Road – is now open. The road has been repaired and evacuees may go back to their homes.
Glenfir Road – Road closed, barricades in place. Most residents will be sheltering in place. Penticton Search and Rescue (PENSAR) has been dispatched to assess any immediate needs of residents.
Chute Lake Road – Road closed, barricades in place. Penticton Search and Rescue (PENSAR) has been dispatched to locate any residents living or recreating in the area, and to assess their immediate needs.
Note: If you have already left your residence, please contact the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre for more information.
Electoral Area ‘C’ – (Rural Oliver)
Testalinden Creek – Shoring work with heavy equipment continues on the south bank side of the creek below Highway 97.
McKinney Rd and Road 9 –continue to have areas of localized flooding. Baling of gravel above the Hwy. is being performed by Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Sandbags have been supplied to residents.”
Fairview Road – Remains closed. Barricades in place. Alternate means of access and egress to properties is via Cawston.
Electoral Area ‘G’– (Rural Keremeos, Cawston, and parts of the Similkameen) Keremeos
Keremeos Fire Dept continues to deliver sandbags.
Electoral Area ‘H’ – (Rural Princeton, Similkameen, Tulameen, Osprey Lakes, Missezula) Missezula Lake
Localized flooding. Sandbags have been provided by Town of Princeton. More sand and sandbags are available at the beach.
Erris and Hayes areas (near Osprey Lake) – Sand and sandbags are available at local fire departments. Both departments are actively sandbagging Lee Creek.
Tulameen – Otter Lake, Otter Creek – Water levels remained stable overnight but flooding continues to affect over 30 homes, 11 of which are full time residents. Tulameen Volunteer Fire Department is providing assistance and support to local residents. Sand and sandbags are available at the Fire hall.
The RDOS has also reached out to local First Nations to offer assistance.
If you require sandbags, call the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-492-0237 or Toll-free at 1-877-610-3737
For after-hours emergencies, call the Provincial Emergency Program at 1-800-663-3456. For more information, go to www.rdos.bc.ca or on Facebook at RegionalDistrictOfOkanaganSimilkameen
