Photo: Mike Biden

Flooding in Osoyoos, May 12

The Town of Osoyoos says it has secured all its essential water and sewer infrastructure, but still asks residents avoid pumping into it as the lake starts to rise again.

The town says there is still extra water entering its sewer system from flooded basements and sump pumps, which puts the municipal system at risk of a larger pump failure.

The town has also dealt with lagoon storage capacity challenges at the golf course facility. Recycled water has been transferred to an empty cell that was under repair and the golf course and municipal parks will be getting extra watering.

“Our ability to store our recycled water affects the entire community,” the town said in a news release, advising that further issues with storage could lead to a wider community sewer closure in areas of high volume.

“To avoid this issue we ask that all residents consider decreasing their use of sewer system.”

The town is also asking residents to stay away from shoreline parks and flooded areas to allow crews to work.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Osoyoos Lake was at 916.16 feet and climbing, caused by rising flows of the Similkameen River that joins the Okanagan River just south of the lake.