From the Penticton Herald archives
January 25, 1961
Kaleden begins to discuss plans for a modern water system
Kaleden may abandon its mountain water system and switch to pumping from Skaha Lake.
At an extraordinary general meeting Tuesday in the community hall, Kaleden Water Ratepayers’ Association unanimously authorized the executive to explore the possibility of pumping water from the lake for domestic and irrigation use.
Pollution and disprepair of the 27 mile system of lakes, flumes, and ditches is behind the move. Water cannot be chlorinated because silt would clog a chlorinator immediately, said Association President Robert Miller.
Last night’s meeting of approximately 50 voted to contact M.P. David Pugh and the Honourable Alvin Hamilton, Minister of Agriculture, for possible assistance in water purification.
The meeting was told that if Kaleden changes from mountain to Skaha Lake water, the flume and ditch system would be abandoned and salvageable flume sold.
“This would make the problem of purification much easier and will give a more efficient system,” said Mr. Miller later.
The new plan envisions pumping to a reservoir which would supply pressurized water in a gravity system.
Kaleden’s open system reaches from above Highway 97 back along a 27 mile system of lakes joined by flumes and ditches. Marron, Brent, Eneas, and Gardener Lakes form reservoirs.
Two miles of open flume run adjacent to Highway 3.
Spokesmen for the South Okanagan Health Unit have issued repeated warnings about the pollution in Kaleden’s water supply.
Association members also discussed subdivision at the meeting. One voiced the opinion that when better water was available, Kaleden would grow.
A committee was chosen to suggest plans for subdivision. Members are Frank Sanders, John Pearson, Philip Farmer, Harry Sampson, and Fred King.