Over-heating pumps threaten water service in the Mission

KELOWNA – A faulty pump motor is forcing the City of Kelowna to spend $300,000 on an additional pump for the Cedar Creek lake intake.

Failure to do so, could leave parts of the Mission and the South Slopes without drinking water and fire protection service, utility planning manager Andrew Reeder says, in a report to Kelowna city council.

The problem lies in one of two 700 horse power pump motors located at the Cedar Creek pump station. A recent review by a pump expert found cooling problems with the pumps.

If one pump were to fail, the other could fill in the gap but would likely soon overheat and fail itself, with crews facing a six-month wait before a replacement could be delivered and installed.

Utility staff are recommending the installation of a third smaller duty pump to help reduce wear and tear on the other two existing pumps, which would in turn be reconfigured to support the smaller pump during peak demand periods.

The Cedar Creek water system includes a booster station on Stellar Drive and a large diameter pipe running between the two then on to a water treatment plant at the Adams reservoir.

Price for the purchase and installation is $300,000, to be taken from the water quality enhancement reserve fund, and staff are recommending the purchase be made as soon as possible.

Council will consider the request at its regular meeting, 1:30  p.m. Monday, Nov. 30 in Kelowna City Hall.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.