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Brown water plagues some residents of Osoyoos

Town is starting up new water sources which is causing discoloration
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In April, a resident living on Maple Street in Osoyoos posted this picture, saying the water coming out was brown and sandy. The Town says demand for domestic water supply has them looking at various sources. (Facebook)

The Town of Osoyoos is warning residents that they will notice discoloration in the water over the next week or so.

The town says an increased demand on the domestic water supply system has utility staff starting up other water sources.

For several residents of different neighbourhoods in Osoyoos, brown water is more common than they would like.

A resident who lives on Maple Drive posted a picture to Facebook of brown, sandy water coming out of her taps in April. She says it is a regular occurrence. Another woman says it is happening too on Cedar Lane and Lakeshore.

The Western News reached out to public works about the brown water in April but didn’t receive a response.

Last October, Lakeshore resident Renee Paquin posted a picture of a muddy-looking towel, saying this is after a shower.

Last year, Osoyoos had several boil water advisories.

READ ALSO: Another boil water advisory in Osoyoos

During the start-up of this new water process, sediment that can accumulate over time and rest on the bottom of watermains will be stirred up and become suspended inside the pipes. This is normal and the town’s utility staff will be:

• Out flushing fire hydrants to remove that sediment.

• Taking field water quality parameter samples.

• Taking extra bacterial samples in areas that have been affected.

The town asks residents to run cold water in their bathtub for 10 to 20 minutes if they notice discoloration in their water.

“At this time, all water quality sampling on the domestic water supply system has come back with satisfactory results. We will continue to monitor the situation and make the public aware should there be any changes,” stated the town.

If you are still having water quality concerns, please send an email to the Operational Services Department at pubworks@osoyoos.ca, stating your name, contact information and address.

READ MORE: Okanagan has less available water per person than all of Canada



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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