October 5, 2023
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) advises customers supplied by the Mabel Lake Water Utility (MLW) that Outdoor Water Restrictions are RESCINDED. Supply and demand conditions on the water system have returned to normal. Although Outdoor Water Restrictions are being rescinded, the RDNO wants to remind customers that we live in a dry climate and water conservation should be practiced routinely to protect our streams as every drop counts.
Doing some yard clean up this weekend? Don’t forget your taps! Winterize taps to prevent leaks. Removing hoses and protecting exposed pipes from freezing temperatures will help to avoid cracks and leaks in the spring.
If you have any questions, please contact the RDNO Utilities Department at 250-550-3700.
July 27, 2023
The Regional District of North Okanagan is issuing two water notices for Mabel Lake Water (MLW). The first notice is to advise customers that the Water Quality Advisory (WQA) issued on June 22, 2023 is now RESCINDED.
The WQA is rescinded because the turbidity (cloudiness) levels that were over 1.0 NTU, which caused the WQA, have now decreased to acceptable levels (less than 1.0 NTU) and the WQA can be rescinded. Sampling results confirm the drinking water is safe.
Updated Outdoor Water Restrictions
The second water notice is to advise MLW customers of updated outdoor water use restrictions. The Government of BC has issued a Level 4 Drought for the South Thompson watershed under the Water Sustainability Act. The Mabel Lake Water Utility uses water in this watershed and outdoor watering impacts the lake and stream levels. As a result of the provincial declaration, the RDNO is issuing Stage 2 outdoor watering restrictions for the Mabel Lake Water community. A map of affected properties is below.
Stage 2 Water Restrictions are as follows:
- Customers are only allowed to water their lawns twice a week
- Please refer to the schedule below to find your designated watering days:
Odd House Numbers: Watering Days – Tuesdays and Saturdays
Even House Numbers: Watering Days - Sundays and Wednesdays - And, as always, watering between 10 am and 7 pm is not allowed at any time. Irrigating in the heat of the day is ineffective due to water evaporation and is an easily avoidable form of wasting water
- Filling swimming pools, hot tubs, garden ponds or decorative fountains is prohibited
- Minimize car washing to conserve water during the drought. When washing your car, use a sponge and bucket instead of running water.
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Did you know that overwatering your lawn not only affects your community’s water supply, it can also harm the health of your grass. Most lawns need just 2.5cm (one inch) of water per week—about the depth of a tuna can. An easy way to see whether you are watering an appropriate amount is to place an empty tuna can with the lid off in an area where you are irrigating. When the can is full, usually after 15 to 20 minutes, you know that your grass has gotten an adequate amount of water. Watering for more than one hour per location is strictly forbidden. |
Under Stage 2 Water Restrictions, customers are allowed to water by hand at any time with a watering can or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle. Drip irrigation is also allowed any time as evaporation is minimal when the water is applied directly at the plant roots.
For indoor and outdoor water conservation tips, visit www.rdno.ca/waterwise.
For more information, visit www.rdno.ca/restrictions.
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Updated - June 22, 2023
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), in conjunction with Interior Health, advises customers supplied by the Mabel Lake Water Utility (MLW) that as a result of improved raw water quality the Boil Water Notice (BWN) issued on May 17, 2023 is being downgraded to a Water Quality Advisory (WQA). The map of the affected properties is below.
The WQA is in effect until the lake turbidity (cloudiness) returns to a level that meets drinking water standards and sampling results confirm that the drinking water is safe.
Why did the Boil Notice change to a Water Quality Advisory?
Spring melt has increased the presence of particles like clay and silt (turbidity) in the water entering the water treatment process and this process does not have the capacity to treat this water to meet drinking water standards.
The turbidity levels leaving the water treatment process that had exceeded 5.0 NTU have decreased; however, they are still exceeding acceptable levels (1.0 NTU) and this is why a WQA is still necessary.
What should affected customers do?
Until the WQA is rescinded, young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems should exercise caution and all customers may choose to boil their water for at least one minute when using for the following purposes:
- drinking
- brushing teeth
- washing fruits & vegetables to be eaten raw
- making beverages or ice
Where can I find updates?
Customers will be notified of any updates at www.rdno.ca/news (filter by Water Notices) and the RDNO’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RDNorthOkanagan. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
If you have any questions, please contact the RDNO Utilities Department at 250-550-3700.
Original Notice - May 17, 2023
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), in conjunction with Interior Health, advises customers supplied by the Mabel Lake Water Utility (MLW) that they are on a Boil Water Notice (BWN) as of May 17, 2023. The map of the affected properties is below.
The BWN is in effect until the lake turbidity returns to a level that meets drinking water standards and sampling results confirm that the drinking water is safe.
Why did this notice changed from a Water Quality Advisory?
Spring melt has increased the presence of particles like clay and silt (turbidity) in the water that enters the water treatment process and this process does not have the capacity to treat this water to meet drinking water standards.
The water turbidity levels leaving the water treatment process have exceeded 5.0 NTU and all customers who receive water from MLW are now on a BWN.
What should affected customers do?
All customers should boil their water for at least one minute when preparing any food, drinking, washing fruits & vegetables, making beverages or ice or when brushing teeth.
Outdoor Water Restrictions
Additionally, normal summer outdoor water restrictions are now in effect. These water restrictions allow MLW customers to water outdoors with sprinklers according to a schedule that is based on their street address.
To avoid the need for added restrictions, the community must adhere to following the schedule and being wise with their water use. Customers are encouraged to consider ways to irrigate as efficiently as possible. Over-drawing on the system can affect the safety of drinking water, and if the demand for water is consistently high, we may have to prohibit all outdoor water use.
Even under water restrictions, residents may water, any time, by hand with a watering can or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle. Drip irrigation is also allowed any time as evaporation is minimal when the water is applied directly at the plant roots. For more information, visit rdno.ca/restrictions.
Where can I find updates?
Customers will be notified of any updates at www.rdno.ca/news (filter by Water Notices) and the RDNO’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RDNorthOkanagan. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
If you have any questions, please contact the RDNO Utilities Department at 250-550-3700.
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