Penticton residents may face temporary changes to their tap water in the coming days as the City implements significant upgrades to our water distribution system.
The City is now in the final stages of an $8.1 million upgrade to the infrastructure that supplies tap water to 70 per cent of Penticton properties. These upgrades will ensure long-term reliability and improved service.
As we work to bring these changes online and transition to normal system operation, you may notice discolouration in your water. Please be assured that this is a normal occurrence during upgrades of this magnitude.
While the water may not appear aesthetically pleasing during this period, it remains safe and free from contaminants of concern. Our team is actively monitoring water quality to ensure it continues to meet Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.
If you notice discoloured water, we recommend the following steps to help clear it from your household plumbing:
- Start with cold water: Avoid using hot water, as this can pull discoloured water into your water heater.
- Begin flushing from the lowest point: Open the cold water faucet on the lowest floor of your home and let it run fully.
- Open other faucets: Slowly open other cold water faucets, moving from the lowest floor to the highest.
- Run until clear: Let the water run for several minutes, or up to 10 minutes or more, until the water runs clear.
- Turn off faucets: Once the water is clear, turn off the faucets in the reverse order (highest floor first, then lowest).
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we complete these essential improvements.
If residents have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at publicworks@penticton.ca or by phoning 250-490-2500.