Home / Disasters and Accidents / Vandalism Compromises West Kelowna Reservoir, Residents Warned
Vandalism Compromises West Kelowna Reservoir, Residents Warned
21 Mar
Summary
- Reservoir breach impacts drinking water for 300 residences.
- Chemical contamination suspected, boiling water is ineffective.
- Testing requires two consecutive clean lab samples 24 hours apart.
West Kelowna faces a potential water quality crisis after a breach at the Tallus Ridge reservoir. Overnight, city officials discovered that the equipment lock had been cut and the hatch removed, leading to a reservoir breach.
Operations have been impacted for roughly 300 residences. Due to the possibility of chemical contamination, officials issued an advisory cautioning residents against ingesting the water. Boiling the water will not make it safe. The city is working with Interior Health, requiring two consecutive lab samples, taken 24 hours apart, to test clear before the advisory is lifted.
Expedited analysis is being sought to minimize disruption. While showering and cleaning are permissible, drinking water is available for free at a local bulk water station. West Kelowna RCMP are investigating the vandalism and seeking witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity.
