Updated: Greater Vernon Water Temporarily Switching Water Source for Parts of Lavington

Updated -  July 30, 2026 - 4:00PM - UPDATED SAMPLE RESULTS

In support of the local agricultural community during the current Stage 3 water restrictions, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has temporarily switched the water source for some Greater Vernon Water (GVW) customers in the Lavington and Coldstream areas. This switch was made following full consultation with Interior Health.

With the water source change from surface water to groundwater, many customers have noticed changes in water hardness, taste, smell, or appearance. Customers in this area typically receive water from the Duteau Creek water supply, which is characterized as very soft with low mineral content. In contrast, Antwerp Deep Well draws from a protected groundwater aquifer that is high in mineral content and very hard. 

Antwerp Deep Well water contains higher levels of naturally occurring manganese. When dissolved manganese is exposed to oxygen and chlorine during treatment or distribution, it can oxidize, forming solid particles. These particles cause the water to appear yellow, orange, brown, or black and can accumulate as sediment.

These particles, which are heavier than water, can also settle in water mains under normal operating conditions. When water flow increases or changes direction due to changes in water demand, the settled particles can become resuspended and carried through the distribution system. Operations have been working to ensure flow direction changes are minimized and move poor water quality out of the system. 

Although manganese can affect the appearance, taste, and aesthetic quality of drinking water, its presence does not necessarily indicate a health risk. Interior Health is being routinely consulted on manganese monitoring results and continues to provide guidance to the RDNO regarding actions and public health considerations related to manganese in the water system. In response, RDNO staff are conducting manganese sampling at a frequency that exceeds regulatory requirements and will continue monitoring while the well remains in service.

While some sample results have exceeded the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for manganese of 0.12 mg/L, these occurrences have been localized to small areas and limited periods of time. Monitoring results are regularly shared with and reviewed by Interior Health, which is not recommending any additional actions at this time. Interior Health has advised RDNO that the manganese MAC is based on long-term exposure over a 70-year period.

The RDNO will continue to closely monitor manganese levels throughout the distribution system. Should trends indicate sustained manganese concentrations above the MAC, the RDNO will work with Interior Health to determine any necessary actions and will provide immediate notification to affected residents through email updates to subscribed customers, social media channels, and the RDNO website.

For individual health-related questions or concerns about manganese concentration in drinking water, Interior Health advises consulting with your health care provider. 

If members of the public would like to contact Interior Health for drinking water-related concerns, please reach out to them directly.  

Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe. 

Read our FAQs on Manganese

Update - June 24, 2026 - 3:45pm - UPDATED AREA

In support of the local agricultural community during the current Stage 3 water restrictions, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), in conjunction with Interior Health, will be temporarily switching the water source for some Greater Vernon Water (GVW) customers in the Lavington area. 

The original affected area has been expanded to include additional addresses on Brewer Rd, Hwy 6 from Brewer Rd to Buchanan Rd, Aberdeen Rd N, and areas near Kalamalka Lake Rd between Hwy 6 and McClounie Rd (affected area).

Customers may notice minor changes in taste, smell, or appearance. This is due to higher levels of naturally occurring manganese in the groundwater source. The Antwerp Deep Well draws from a protected groundwater aquifer and is treated with chlorine, in accordance with provincial standards. 

Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe. 

Original Notice - June 12, 2026

In support of the local agricultural community during the current Stage 3 water restrictions, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), in conjunction with Interior Health, will be temporarily switching the water source for some Greater Vernon Water (GVW) customers in the Lavington area. 

This change is a result of lower-than-normal water levels in the GVW reservoirs and helps prioritize available surface water for agricultural use while maintaining safe, reliable drinking water for residents. Customers in the affected area will temporarily be switched from the Duteau water source to the Antwerp Deep Well, an approved secondary water source. This source has been tested in advance of this change and meets all drinking water guidelines in place through Interior Health. The switch is expected to start today, June 12, 2026, and water quality will be closely monitored throughout. 

Customers should not notice any interruption to their drinking water service during the source change, and the water will remain safe to drink; however, customers may notice minor changes in taste, smell, or appearance. This is due to higher levels of naturally occurring manganese in the groundwater source. The Antwerp Deep Well draws from a protected groundwater aquifier and is treated with chlorine, in accordance with provincial standards.  

Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe. 

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For media inquiries:
Stacey Raftus, Communications Officer
communications@rdno.ca