The city of West Kelowna has historically struggled with water quality issues, leading to frequent water quality advisories and boil water notices for residents on the Rose Valley water system. However, the situation has now drastically improved with the opening of the new Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant. The plant, which has been in the works for some time, was officially commissioned recently, providing residents with some of the best water quality in the Okanagan region. Residents and local officials were given a tour of the facility during a grand opening ceremony, expressing satisfaction and gratitude for the successful completion of the project.
The Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant project was made possible through a combination of federal and provincial grants, city funds, and increased water rates for homeowners in the area. Despite facing challenges such as supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, the project remained on budget at $75 million. The plant has the capacity to deliver 70 million liters of treated water per day, with plans to increase that capacity to 115 million liters per day in the future. Mayor Gord Milsom thanked the residents for their patience throughout the planning and construction phases, acknowledging the significant impact of the new facility on the community.
Prior to the establishment of the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, the old water systems in West Kelowna relied solely on chlorine disinfection as a barrier to waterborne contaminants. The new plant, on the other hand, incorporates a multi-barrier treatment process that includes coagulation, flocculation, dissolved air flotation, filtration, ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection, and chlorination. This comprehensive approach not only improves the taste, color, and smell of the water but also ensures consistent, safe, and clean water for residents. Director of Engineering and Public Works Allen Fillion highlighted the importance of the enhanced treatment process in addressing potential outbreaks in the reservoir.
The implementation of the new treatment process at the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant marks a significant upgrade from the previous water systems in the community. With three different barriers and approaches in place, including the use of chlorine disinfection, the plant is able to effectively handle various water contaminants and impurities. The advanced treatment process removes color, turbidity, and other impurities from the water, exceeding all provincial requirements for water quality. The facility’s capacity to handle any challenges that may arise from the reservoir ensures that residents receive clean and safe water at all times.
Overall, the completion and operation of the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant represent a major milestone for the city of West Kelowna in enhancing water quality and safety for its residents. The project, funded through various sources, has seen successful implementation despite challenges and delays. The state-of-the-art facility not only provides some of the best water quality in the region but also ensures consistent and reliable access to clean water for households in the area. The multi-barrier treatment process, along with the plant’s capacity for future expansion, demonstrates a commitment to preserving and improving the water supply for the community. The successful completion of this infrastructure project is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of all those involved in making it a reality.
