Busted sewer line closes Vernon beaches on Okanagan Lake, again

For the second time this summer, some Vernon beaches have been closed due to a leaky sewer pipe.

The City of Vernon has closed beaches from Kin Beach to Paddlewheel Park due to the potential of high bacteria counts.

The City said there was a sewer line break in the Okanagan Landing area and while the spill has been isolated within the storm management system, the water has the potential to get into the lake.

"Beaches within the proximity of the break will be temporarily closed until testing can confirm water quality is an acceptable level," the City said in a media release issued, Aug. 6.

READ MORE: Fire between Vernon and Salmon Arm doubles in size

Signs have been placed on the affected beaches to warn the public and swimming is not recommended. 

The lake water will now be tested and the restrictions lifted when the water is deemed safe to swim in.

This is the second time this summer the beaches in that area have been closed, with a sewer line causing beach closures in early July.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

Ben Bulmer

After a decade of globetrotting, U.K. native Ben Bulmer ended up settling in Canada in 2009. Calling Vancouver home he headed back to school and studied journalism at Langara College. From there he headed to Ottawa before winding up in a small anglophone village in Quebec, where he worked for three years at a feisty English language newspaper. Ben is always on the hunt for a good story, an interesting tale and to dig up what really matters to the community.