West Kelowna issues Do Not Consume Water Order for Rose Valley residents

Residents in the Rose Valley neighbourhood of West Kelowna are being asked not to consume water from the tap.

A Do Not Consume order is in place “out of an abundance of caution and due to the significance of the McDougall Creek Wildfire in that area,” according to a release from the City, advising that Stage 4 water regulations now in effect.

"Under a Do Not Consume Water Order, everyone in the service area must seek an alternative safe source, for brushing teeth, drinking, making baby formula and ice, preparing food and beverages and washing fruits and vegetables.”

Agricultural users are asked to reduce consumptions.

"In the Rose Valley water system area, because of the number of structures that have burned, the water’s freely flowing from those structures now and what’s happened is it’s depleted the water supply in that area so the reservoirs are no longer full,” Jason Brolund, West Kelowna fire chief, said at a news conference this morning. “We need to conserve what little water remains in those reservoirs for firefighting purposes.”

A safe source of drinking water can be accessed at a bulk filling station at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads. Bottles will be needed for carrying the water. The tap is on the Asquith Road side of the facility.

Those who use the City’s Sunnyside-Pritchard water system are under a boil water notice.

In cooperation with our partners, the BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the McDougall Creek wildfire (K52767) burning adjacent to West Kelowna. pic.twitter.com/aS4FH5BCF0

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 19, 2023

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