West Kelowna Don't Drink Water Order

Suspected Vandalism at West Kelowna Reservoir Triggers 'Do Not Consume' Water Order

West Kelowna, BC March 20, 2026 - Authorities in West Kelowna have issued a precautionary Do Not Consume Water Order for a portion of the Rose Valley Water Service Area after suspected intentional damage to the Tallus Ridge water reservoir.

The order, announced late Thursday night and confirmed early Friday, affects homes in the Shannon Lake, Tallus Ridge, and Shannon Woods areas. Residents are advised not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, brushing teeth, making ice, or any other consumption purposes until the order is lifted. Bottled water or alternative safe sources should be used instead.

The City of West Kelowna, in coordination with the Interior Health Authority (IHA) and West Kelowna RCMP, implemented the measure out of an abundance of caution following a potential unauthorized access incident at the reservoir.

No contamination has been confirmed, but the order prioritizes public health protection.

West Kelowna City Works staff received an alarm notification at the Tallus Ridge reservoir on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026. Upon inspection, they discovered what is believed to be intentional damage to the structure.

RCMP are actively investigating the incident as possible vandalism or tampering.

Police are seeking public assistance: Anyone who was in the area of Big Sky Drive between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 19 and observed suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP.

Free safe drinking water is available at the bulk filling station located at Shannon Lake and Asquith Roads, residents should bring their own clean containers.

This advisory is localized to the specified zones within the Rose Valley system and does not impact the broader city water supply or the Powers Creek Water Service Area. (A separate boil water notice for parts of Powers Creek was rescinded on March 13, 2026, following turbidity concerns from a high flow event.)

An ongoing precautionary Water Quality Advisory remains in effect for Zones RV05A and RV05C (parts of Shannon Lake) due to resumed watermain flushing work, which began around March 10 and may continue for weeks depending on weather. This could cause temporary discolouration but is unrelated to the Do Not Consume order.

West Kelowna's water systems are normally treated with multi-barrier processes and meet provincial and federal standards in unaffected areas.

For the latest updates and to check if your address is affected, visit the City of West Kelowna's Water Quality and Reporting page at westkelownacity.ca/water-quality-reporting or use the interactive advisory map.

Interior Health's provincial advisory map is available at drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca/advisorymap.

The City and RCMP emphasize verifying information through official channels and urge the community to remain vigilant.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues and water testing progresses.

West Kelowna Don't Drink Water Order