Water Talk

Water system newsletter

Spring/Summer 2024

Water system flushing continues

This spring, residents in Electoral Area West and Electoral Area East will notice crews performing annual water main flushing for the six RDCO water systems for several weeks in the system areas. Watch for roadside notice boards when this happens in your area, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and please drive slowly around crews for their safety.

Water pressure can vary slightly during flushing, so it's best to avoid laundry use during these hours if crews are working in the area. Slight water discoloration may also be noticeable. Please check water before use, wash dark loads first and if you notice discoloration, run the cold water until it runs clear.

Annual system flushing ensures optimum water quality and removes any sediment deposits that may accumulate over time.

Seasonal water turn-on

If you are returning to a property after the winter and require a seasonal water turn on you will need to contact our team to turn water on at the curb stop valve at the property line. This is a service offered at no charge (for 1 turn on and 1 turn off per year).

To help our crews safely locate valves please ensure the curb stop valve is visible and the area around it is clear.

Residents can isolate their water supply at their isolation valves but are not permitted to operate the RDCO owned curb stop valves (as per Bylaw 1513).

Visit our service request system to request a water service.

Important: Water system advisories

Receive notices directly in your inbox whenever there is a water advisory for your water system. Simply sign up at subscribe.rdco.com/Subscribe and select the water system for which you wish to receive notices. You can also select any of the other RDCO categories of news and alerts you wish to receive while you are there.

Water system advisories and notices are often issued during spring runoff (freshet) or rain events, which can cause water to appear cloudy (turbid). Turbidity (the measure of water clarity) is important because it affects the performance of chlorine in the disinfection process. Tiny microorganisms, like bacteria, can attach themselves to suspended particles. These particles can interfere with disinfection by shielding the microorganisms from the chlorine.

An advisory may also be due to emergency or routine maintenance. In each case, there's some level of risk associated with consuming drinking water and this is particularly true for people with weakened immune systems, children and the elderly.

Please carefully read and follow directions relating to the type of contamination behind the Water Advisory or Notice. Visit the HealthLink BC site for information about water disinfection.

Help water work harder

Try these tips to help lower outdoor water consumption:

Fix leaks and broken or clogged sprinkler heads. Reduce run times when it's cooler
Aerate your soil every spring to improve water penetration and help oxygen and organic materials reach the roots. Don't rake cores; let them dry out and break down
Top dress your lawn with compost or other organic material to help it hold water and nutrients longer
Use a timer to water during dusk to dawn to help minimize evaporation
Leave grass 2-3 inches tall (5-8cm) and after mowing leave grass clippings as mulch to slow evaporation from the soil

Get more outdoor water saving tips

Outdoor watering stages

Until June 15, all RDCO water systems are on Stage 1 alternate day, outdoor watering. That means you may water outside on the even or odd calendar day that coincides with your even or odd address.

From June 16 to September 15, systems are on Stage 2 (unless otherwise indicated) which allows for twice a week outdoor watering on specific days based on your address number.

See Outdoor watering stage restrictions for details.

Drought stages

Drought can be caused by a combination of several factors, including insufficient snow accumulation, hot and dry weather or a delay in rainfall. While Okanagan Lake has recovered to seasonal levels, there are some concerns that it may not reach full pool this summer, depending on precipitation levels for the remainder of the spring. The most recent estimate of our snowpack puts the Okanagan at 69% of average. This is an unofficial estimate, based on averaging information from the snow pillows.

Not all water systems use water from the lake. Some water systems rely on upland reservoirs, wells or groundwater (streams or creeks) to supply water to customers. These water systems may have to change the drought stage based on their water supply and estimated water demand for the remainder of summer. Even water systems that rely on water from lakes can move to higher drought stages. Visit the Okanagan Basin Water Board for updates and current information.

Visit our water systems website to find out more about RDCO's six systems.

Sign up to receive notices about changes to watering stages as well as other notices at subscribe.rdco.com/Subscribe and select your water system.

E-billing option

You can have your utility bill emailed to you rather than relying on mail delivery. Hundreds of customers receive utility bill invoices electronically. It's perfect for seasonal residents or snowbirds who may be away for an extended period.

If you haven't signed up yet, visit rdco.com and complete our online authorization form.

No water?

Emergency contacts

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: call 250-469-6241

After hours/holidays: call 250-868-5299

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Regional District of Central Okanagan | rdco.com