The city of West Kelowna has had long-standing issues with water quality, leading to frequent water quality advisories in the Rose Valley water system. However, this has changed with the commissioning of the new Rose Valley Water Treatment plant, which is now operational. The plant has been described as delivering some of the best water in the Okanagan, a significant improvement from the previous water quality issues that plagued the area. Residents and officials were given a tour of the facility during a grand opening ceremony, marking a milestone in improving water quality for more than 19,650 Rose Valley system users.
The project to build the Rose Valley Water Treatment plant was funded through a combination of federal and provincial grants, city funds, and increased water rates for homeowners in the affected neighbourhoods. Despite some delays, phase one of the plant was launched in November of the previous year, and by December of 2023, over half of West Kelowna households were receiving clean water from the plant. The total cost of the project remained on budget at $75 million, despite challenges such as supply chain issues, labour shortages, and even a wildfire passing over the building.
The Rose Valley Water Treatment plant has the capacity to deliver 70 million litres of treated water per day, with the ability to increase capacity to 115 million litres to meet future demands. This represents a significant upgrade from the old water systems that previously served the community. The treatment process at the new facility includes coagulation, flocculation, dissolved air flotation, filtration, ultraviolet light disinfection, and chlorination, providing multiple barriers to ensure water safety and quality. These processes result in water that exceeds all provincial requirements, improving taste, colour, and smell while effectively handling any potential issues in the reservoir.
The multi-barrier treatment process at the Rose Valley Water Treatment plant enhances the safety and cleanliness of the water supply, ensuring consistent quality even during potential outbreaks or other challenges. The addition of multiple barriers and approaches, along with chlorine disinfection, has significantly improved the water treatment process compared to the previous system, which relied solely on chlorine. The end result is a final product that meets or exceeds all provincial standards for water quality, giving residents peace of mind and confidence in the safety of their drinking water.
Overall, the completion and operation of the Rose Valley Water Treatment plant represent a significant milestone in West Kelowna’s efforts to improve water quality and safety for residents. The project, funded through a combination of sources, has provided a state-of-the-art facility that is capable of meeting current and future water demands in the area. The multi-barrier treatment process implemented at the plant ensures that the water meets all provincial standards, with improvements in taste, colour, and smell compared to the previous system. Residents can now enjoy clean, safe water without the frequent water quality advisories that plagued the area in the past, marking a positive development for the community.
