Antwerp well sought for emergency use

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning StarPublished: July 08, 2012 1:00 AM
 A water source with a controversial name could be Greater Vernon’s salvation in a drought. The Regional District of North Okanagan is seeking approval to designate the Antwerp deep well as emergency backup for domestic use. “The capacity of the Duteau treatment plant cannot sustain demand if there’s a hot, dry summer,” said Zee Marcolin, utilities engineer. The deep well has been shut off since early 2010 when the adjacent shallow well was contaminated, forcing thousands of people to abandon tap water. “No contamination occurred in the deep well,” said Marcolin, adding that the decision was made to close the deep well because of public concerns. “The perception was they (both wells) are really close together but they are in completely different aquifers. It (deep) is a safe aquifer and protected.” Peak demand at the Duteau Creek treatment plant is 240 megalitres of water per day, and that generally occurs from the end of July to mid-August. Marcolin says the Antwerp deep well would only be considered if other water sources are maximized. If the Interior Health Authority approves the deep well for emergency use, it will likely only be used on an interim basis as agricultural irrigation is removed from the Duteau plant and capacity increases. “This is a Band-Aid for the next couple of years,” said director Bob Spiers. Additional protection measures would be taken at the deep well including installation of a seal, a turbidity analyzer and a chlorine analyzer. There would also be increased water sampling when the deep well is being used and public notice. RDNO’s long-term goal is to completely remove the Antwerp deep well from the potable water system.