Kal water source shut off

Photo: Contributed

Greater Vernon Water customers may notice their water is softer.

That's because GVW temporarily turned off its Kalamalka Lake water source on Monday, due to increased turbidity in the Lake. 

The Mission Hill treatment plant treats water from Kalamalka Lake and does not have filtration; therefore the water quality can be vulnerable to changes occurring in and around the lake.

The decision to turn off the Kal Lake source was based on increased turbidity due to spring runoff and milfoil removal at the north end of the lake. All water in the Greater Vernon service area will be supplied from the Duteau Creek water treatment plant to avoid issuing a boil-water notice to customers normally on Kal Lake water. 

Customers will notice the water is softer and has a low alkalinity and pH. This may be of interest to those who have in-home water treatment systems or aquariums. 

Staff will continue to monitor water quality and notify customers of any further changes.