The new Duteau Creek Treatment Plant was officially opened today and with that came more good news for the 15-thousand customers on the water source. NORD's Engineering GM Arnold Badke says health officials have given the okay to remove a precautionary 'water quality advisory' that's been on the source for many months. "It's in the process of being lifted. I don't think it's officially gone through yet but we made that decision (Thursday).The Duteau system has been almost on a constant advisory, so yes, it's very momentous, and we hope that we can minimize the amount (of advisories) in the future." Coldstream has the most customers on the system and mayor Jim Garlick says the 29 million dollar plant has had a positive impact. "(They like) the fact that their laundry is not as yellow as it was. It's slowly getting cleaner as they use the cleaner water, because prior to this, your water fixtures, your laundry, you would notice water residue on it." Garlick and Area C (BX Silver Star) director Mike Macnabb both say residents in their areas are pleased their drinking water no longer has the yellow tinge that generated numerous complaints over the years. The Duteau Creek source provides 60 percent of the water in Greater Vernon. The 29.2 million dollar plant, which is in the Lavington area, began supplying treated water to homes September 20th. It can treat up to 160 mega litres of water a day.Photo: NORD chair Herman Halvorson, MLA Eric Foster and Vernon mayor/GVAC chair Wayne Lippert cut the ribbon to officially open the Duteau Creek Treatment Plant (P.McIntyre)
The yellow water is an insult to the residents involved with it. THe Province and local administration should be ashamed, providing the area with the worst water in the Valley. Shades of Waterton and Lawsuits should be uppermost in the minds of the politicians. This is not a situation to be proud of!
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