March 22, 2010
COLDSTREAM, BC – Following the detection that one of the Antwerp Springs wells in Lavington was contaminated in early January, organizations throughout the region rallied together to ensure public safety was maintained. Water quality protection is at the core of the Greater Vernon Water and any disruption to this service adversely affecting customers, is of utmost concern to the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO).
The RDNO and District of Coldstream staff worked diligently to correct and limit the contamination as quickly as possible, ensured clean water was available to affected residents and kept those affected aware of new information while working on a long term plan to provide quality water once again. This work could not have been done as quickly or as effectively, without the cooperation of many organizations. RDNO Chair Herman Halvorson adds, “The cooperation from the District of Coldstream, the Lavington and Coldstream Fire Departments, Interior Health Authority, Vernon RCMP, Search and Rescue, Vernon Emergency Operations Centre, and Emergency Social Services were critical in successfully informing affected residents and ensuring public safety was not compromised. The Regional Board of Directors could not be more thankful for all of the assistance received during this emergency and appreciate the patience and understanding from all affected residents.”
Residents previously on the Antwerp Springs source have been switched to the Duteau Creek source and will remain so until further notification. RDNO Greater Vernon Water Manager Al Cotsworth explains, “The first phase of the new Duteau Creek Water Treatment, which includes Dissolved Air Floatation [DAF], will be on line this September. The clarification plant will greatly improve the safety of the potable water supply and the palatability of the water. The long term plan was to switch our Antwerp Springs customers to this source, and this plan was advanced due to the event”.
Water has not been taken for granted, but the threat of contamination reaffirms the diligence required by everyone to protect the quality and quantity of our water sources. For more information on the Greater Vernon Water or source protection, please contact the RDNO at 250-550-3700 or go online at www.rdno.ca.
For more information:
Al Cotsworth
Manager, Greater Vernon Water
RDNO
250-550-3674
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