Greater Vernon May Notice a Change in Tap Water This Week

VERNON, B.C. – April 8, 2025 — Residents of Greater Vernon may notice a difference in their water as the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has switched the water source for many homes from Kalamalka Lake to Duteau Creek.

The shift was prompted by increased turbidity, cloudiness caused by rain and spring runoff, affecting the Kalamalka Lake intake near Coldstream Creek.

As a result, the Mission Hill Water Treatment Plant has been shut down temporarily.

While the Duteau Creek source provides treated water, it differs noticeably: it’s much softer and has lower alkalinity and pH.

This could impact household water systems or aquariums.

Click Map For Larger Version

The switch isn't ideal. According to the RDNO water levels in the Aberdeen Plateau reservoirs that feed the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant are currently low and need to be conserved in case drought conditions persist.

The region remains under Stage 1 water restrictions, and residents are urged to minimize water use.

RDNO says filtration improvements at Mission Hill are in the works to avoid similar shutdowns in the future. There’s no set date yet for returning to Kalamalka Lake water, but updates will be provided as conditions improve.

Areas Generally Affected: According to RDNO’s water source map, the switch primarily affects customers in Coldstream and areas of East Vernon typically supplied by the Mission Hill treatment plant.

Residents can confirm their specific water source at rdno.ca/gvw.

Greater Vernon May Notice a Change in Tap Water This Week