Ongoing water issues in West Kelowna, British Columbia have resulted in a water advisory for one neighborhood due to high levels of manganese in the water. City of West Kelowna staff announced that the West Kelowna Estates System marginally exceeded the maximum levels for manganese, leading to the advisory. While testing and analysis are ongoing, a precautionary water quality advisory has been put in place for watermain flushing in Zone 2. Concerns related to high levels of manganese were outlined on the Health Canada webpage, especially for formula-fed infants who may be at higher risk due to their rapid brain development and increased susceptibility to absorbing and retaining manganese.
Residents living outside the affected area are also worried about the water quality issues, with brown water frequently pouring from their taps. For families like Olivia Lawson, who is a mother of four, the safety of her children is a top priority. She expressed deep concern about the potential long-term impacts of consuming contaminated water, particularly for her infants. Despite the ongoing consultation with Interior Health and efforts to address the issue, many residents remain anxious about the situation and the health risks associated with the discolored water caused by manganese contamination.
The City of West Kelowna is working on short- and long-term strategies to reduce manganese levels in the water, but residents like Nicole Sivecki remain frustrated and alarmed by the situation. Sivecki, a mother of four, expressed outrage at being put in a position where her children’s health is at risk due to contaminated water. The lack of transparency and timely communication about the water quality concerns has added to the residents’ apprehensions. Scott Beaton, another resident, emphasized the importance of providing clear and frequent information to residents so they can make informed decisions about their water usage, especially when it comes to vulnerable populations like infants.
Efforts to address the high manganese levels in the water involve adjustments at the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, where a chemical oxidant has been added to help remove manganese from the water. The plant was designed to treat conditions in the reservoir, but ongoing adjustments are necessary, especially in response to the increased manganese levels believed to be linked to past firefighting activities during the McDougall Creek wildfire. The City of West Kelowna, with the support of water consultants, is taking steps to improve the water quality in the affected areas and address the concerns of residents. The water treatment plant, which cost $75 million, was expected to enhance the water quality for community members who are now disappointed by the ongoing issues.
Residents in West Kelowna express a lack of trust in the information provided by the City regarding the safety of the water. Despite the absence of boil water advisories in certain neighborhoods, residents like Scott Beaton question the accuracy and transparency of the information shared with the public. The city has emphasized its efforts to reduce discoloration and improve water quality, but many residents feel that more comprehensive and open communication is needed to address their concerns. The community members who invested in the water treatment plant were hopeful that it would resolve the water issues, yet the ongoing challenges with manganese contamination have left them feeling frustrated and uncertain about the safety of their water supply.
