Greater Vernon Water

What is the Master Water Plan?

• A water utility infrastructure project that will ensure a reliable, cost-effective supply of water to meet present and future needs.
• Potable water under the MWP will meet or exceed the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ) by 2015.
• New water treatment plants for each of the Kalamalka Lake and Duteau Creek sources. 
• Projected capital costs of $103 million with up to $35 million in Phase 1 projects financed through borrowing.

The original Master Water Plan [April 2002] was a sound direction that would have accomplished the regional water goals in a short time frame. Unfortunately, without senior government funding, the original plan would have placed an unacceptable burden on current water users.

An Addendum dated March 2004 (875Kb PDF), revises the capital program, deferring system separation into the future and reducing immediate capital costs. The revised plan accomplishes the short-term goals of significantly improving drinking water quality and system reliability while still meeting the long-term goals. 

Working Paper 16 was completed in March 2006, stemming from the conceptual design of the Duteau Creek Water Treatement Plant.  The Working Paper defines the balance between the cost of separation and treatment.  Revised cost estimates indicate that the total project costs are in line with previous estimates.  On June 16, 2006, the GVSC directed staff to proceed with preliminary design of the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant.  The first stage of construction, scheduled for 2007, will include a clarification system with a capacity of 150 MLD and chlorination.  The Stage 1 Plant will reduce turbidity and colour to below the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality for most of the year, dramatically reducing the incidence of Water Quality Advisories and Boil Water Notices required under Interior Health's enhanced turbidity notification program.  Targeted completion for Stage 1 is late 2007/early 2008.  Future projects, including system separation and addition of filtration will be constructed between 2011 and 2015.