Kalamalka Boil Water Advisory Greater Vernon

Precautionary water quality advisory issued for Kalamalka Lake customers in Greater Vernon

Turbidity measures water clarity and can increase when fine particles become suspended

August 14 2026 - The Regional District of North Okanagan, in conjunction with Interior Health, has issued a precautionary Water Quality Advisory for Greater Vernon Water customers supplied by the Kalamalka Lake source.

The advisory, announced August 14, 2026, comes after turbidity levels in the lake rose above 3.0 NTU. Turbidity measures water clarity and can increase when fine particles become suspended. Officials say the current spike may stem from historically low lake levels combined with weather, lake activity and other environmental conditions.

Similar past events have been linked to marl (mud or sediment), strong winds or algae blooms.

Click here for larger map - https://www.rdno.ca/sites/default/files/2026-08/260814_MAP_Kal_Source_WQA.pdf

Greater Vernon Water continues to investigate the cause.

While the utility can temporarily stop drawing from Kalamalka Lake during cooler months, high summer demand makes that option unavailable now. Treatment at the Mission Hill plant remains fully operational, bacterial results are clear and disinfection levels are normal.

Health Canada’s guidelines note that elevated turbidity can reduce the effectiveness of treatment, prompting the precautionary notice.

Customers with weakened immune systems, or anyone seeking extra protection, may choose to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, food preparation, washing produce, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth.

To reduce the risk of future events, Greater Vernon Water says they are advancing a filtration upgrade at the Mission Hill Water Treatment Plant. The project is currently in the design phase and is expected to remove turbidity and improve long-term reliability once complete.

Kalamalka Boil Water Advisory Greater Vernon