Monitoring

Testing

• Trained technicians perform more than 5,000 individual water quality tests each month on source water and water in the distribution system.
• Daily bacteria analysis is completed for Total Coliform and E. Coli. Weekly tests scan for other bacteria.

• Chlorination and Ultra Violet Light
• 1.5 milligrams of chlorine is used at source per litre of water

• Source water is monitored 24 hours a day using computerized sampling equipment. Any significant change in pH, turbidity or temperature triggers a deviation response plan that includes further detailed testing and customer notification.
• Water quality at both water distribution and storage facilities is monitored 24 hours per day.

• Technicians, who are responsible for water quality sampling and analysis, have all completed a two-year water quality certificate program.
• All Water System Operators have completed the B.C. Water Association’s certificate program.

• The Kelowna Water Utility does not add fluoride to its drinking water.

• The City of Kelowna is the first utility in B.C. to participate in QualServe, a water quality program designed to achieve excellence in water management.
• The City has installed ultraviolet light as a barrier to various parasites including giardia and cryptosporidium at three intakes within the distribution system.