Flood threat stabilizing in South Okanagan community

PENTICTON – The flood threat in the Willowbrook area has stabilized somewhat as a local state of emergency enters its second day.

The regional district reports water moving through the community has stabilized after pumping operations to reduce the dam level of Kearns Creek Dam began Monday, March 26.

Upstream of the dam, water levels have been lowered significantly, which has reduced flooding concerns in the area, the regional district says.

A rise in groundwater levels has led to fears of contamination of the aquifer from surface water, according to a media release. A boil water notice will remain in place for Willowbrook residents in spite of plans to temporarily chlorinate the Willowbrook water system.

Sandbags and sand is available at the Willowbrook Fire Hall, and at the corner of Myers Road and Johnson Road in Willowbrook.

The regional district emergency operations centre remains open. For inquiries call 250-490-4225.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 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.