The City of West Kelowna is moving forward with critical upgrades to improve the quality of drinking water sourced from the Rose Valley Reservoir.

In an update presented to council on May 20, staff outlined steady progress on the $2.5 million source water improvement plan, which was approved in late 2024. 

The project targets long-standing concerns such as high levels of dissolved manganese, algae growth, and unpleasant taste and odour, especially during the warmer months.

Staff also noted that algae-related taste and odour complaints are more frequent during bloom periods, especially following the 2023 McDougall Creek Wildfire, which damaged the surrounding forest.

A new potassium permanganate dosing system will be installed at the intake pipe before the water enters the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant. This system oxidizes manganese香蕉视频直播攁 process that changes it into a form that can be filtered out香蕉视频直播攁nd helps improve water clarity and safety.

The city has installed a manganese analyzer which provides data to operations staff. Equipment for the dosing system has been ordered and is expected to arrive in June.

If manganese levels rise before the dosing system is fully operational, staff will use chlorine as a temporary fix to oxidize manganese and maintain safe water standards.

Springtime melting was expected to increase dissolved manganese levels, but recent monitoring showed they stayed within safe limits.

The city is also working with a consultant and contractor to design a new aeration system which will be installed in spring 2026. Aeration helps circulate water and increase dissolved oxygen, which reduces algae and improves taste and odour.

As an interim solution, staff have increased airflow in the existing aeration system, which has shown signs of improved oxygen levels in the reservoir. 

Council approved the $2.5 million for the project from the Rose Valley Water Reserve.