Water

Water Sources

• Penticton Creek

  Penticton Creek originates from Greyback Mountain Dam, approximately 10 km east of Penticton, at an elevation of 1,649 metres. Many small tributaries and creeks also feed the creek, which allows water to be used at times without depleting storage. The City maintains Greyback Lake and dam (built in 1967), which has a maximum storage volume of 10,000-acre feet, or 12.3 million cubic metres.

• Okanagan Lake

  Okanagan Lake has a catchment area of over 6,000 square kilometres and is the largest of the five main and interconnected lakes in the Okanagan Valley. The lake is comprised of three basins, joined to Kalamalka Lake in the north by Vernon Creek and at the south to Skaha Lake by the Okanagan River.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why does My Water Look Cloudy?

  Your water may look temporarily white or milky due to air bubbles, which can be caused by different temperatures of water entering the plumbing system. This should clear up on its own within a few minutes and is safe to drink.

• Why is My Water Discoloured?

  A yellow or rusty discolouration can be caused by nearby construction or repairs to the water main. While the water is safe to drink, you can clear the pipes by turning the tap on cold until it runs clear.

• Why do I Smell or Taste Chlorine?

  Chlorine is used in the water treatment process to kill organisms that can cause disease. These levels may be adjusted during certain times to ensure the drinking water is disinfected. These levels are continuously monitored to ensure the water is safe to drink. To remove the taste or odour of chlorine, fill a container and let it stand overnight in the refrigerator.

• Why does My Water Smell Musty?

  Taste and odour may vary depending on the time of year. The water is constantly monitored and is safe to drink. However, if it is just one tap that produces water with a strange odour or taste, this may indicate a plumbing issue. Try running the cold water to flush the pipe.

• Who can I Talk to about the Quality of My Water?

  If you have additional questions about your water quality, please call the Water Treatment Plant at 250-490-2560.

• Why does the City do Water Main Flushing?

  Flushing is conducted on a regular basis to help clean and remove debris from the water mains. This can cause pressure changes, some discolouration and some sediment. This can be cleared by running the cold tap in your bathtub until it runs clear.

  If you have any questions about the water main flushing process, please contact Public Works at 250-490-2500, publicworks@penticton.ca.

About Your Water Service

• How to Read Your Water Meter

  Learn how to read your water meter – and use it as a tool to detect possible leaks.  

• Detect a Water Leak in Your Home

  Tips and tools for how to detect a leak.   

• Cross Connection Control

  Cross connection devices are used on some properties to ensure water that has been used within a house or business doesn’t backflow into the City’s drinking water supply. Find out more about the City’s cross connection control program.

• Pay My Utilities Bill

  To make any changes to your utilities bill or for payment information, visit our Electric & Water Accounts page. 

About the Region's Drinking Water

• Drinking Water Advisory Map

  Visit drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca to view an interactive map from the Interior Health involving regional water advisories, educational videos about what an advisory means and learn how the water systems work. 

Annual Reports

Have Questions?

• Contact Us

  To report non-emergency issues involving your water, please fill out our Report an Issue online form. The appropriate City staff member will be in touch soon.

  Water Treatment Plant
  Phone: 250-490-2560
  Email: wtp@penticton.ca

  For urgent issues involving water mains or sewer backups, please contact:
  Public Works
  Phone: 250-490-2500
  Email: publicworks@penticton.ca