A Misleading Story

...is often worse than none at all.

Recently we chided Reporter Rolke and the Morning Star for not reporting regularly on SAC committee discussions--including questions and answers--at monthly RDNO meetings.

Before proving its deception, first the MS story, which is worse than altogether ignoring the topic:

"OK source includes hurdles:
Okanagan Lake may not necessarily be the answer to Greater Vernon's water demands.

Members of the master water plan stakeholders advisory committee were told Thursday that costly treatment processes will still be needed if the Okanagan Lake source is tapped.

'It will not likely be just chlorination and ultraviolet.  There will be treatment,' said Dale McTaggart, Regional District of North Okanagan's general manager of engineering.

While communities in the central and southern parts of the valley use Okanagan Lake for water, McTaggart says there are no scientific studies on water quality in the northern arm.  

One possibility from using Okanagan Lake is trihalomethanes, a group of compounds that can form when the chlorine ued to disinfect drinking water reacts with naturally occurring organic matter (decaying leaves and vegetation), according to Health Canada.

To avoid such situations, Zee Marcolin, Greater Vernon Water manager, says water pipes would have to be extended far out into the lake's main arm and such a proposition could be expensive for the utility.

The other issue is that GVW is running into challenges getting provincial approval to access water from Okanagan Lake.

'It's been a year-and-a-half and they haven't even come to the table provincially,' said Marcolin of trying to obtain a water license.

'We're in a holding pattern."

One possible reason for the hold-up is that Greater Vernon may not need Okanagan Lake water for 50 years.  'It's a low priority for them (province) because it's not something you need right now,' said Rod MacLean, with Associated Engineering.

It was also suggested that provincial departments are short-staffed and facing demands from communities with immediate water issues.

While there have been suggestions of abandoning Duteau Creek for domestic use, Marcolin says it could still be needed if quagga and zebra mussels show up in Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes.

'With Kal Lake, the risk is high because of very high calcium levels.  It's the perfect environment (for the invasive species)', she said, adding that Duteau Creek has low calcium levels so its risk is reduced.

These mussels clog water intake pipes, pumps and boat motors.  They also deplete food sources for fish and produce toxins that kill fish and birds and contaminate drinking water."

Deception?
Yup...in spades.

First, the trihalomethane reference appears intent on misleading water customers that Okanagan Lake is loaded with trihalomethanes!  Really?  Guess what?  Duteau Creek, with its high turbidity levels caused by the Aberdeen Plateau's abnormally high--when compared to Kal and OK lakes--decay of organic matter and the need for extra chlorination already has trihalomethanes in residents' tap water!  Proof is here and here and here.  

Next...scientific studies.
Maybe not on the Northern arm of Okanagan, but urban Kelowna (and Penticton) get their water from Okanagan Lake and have filtration deferral from Interior Health.  Read this excellent study by Vic Jensen on nutrient management history, water quality trends and status from the Ministry of Environment.  
GVW doesn't even refer to that study, probably because they don't want anyone to read it.
It's obvious Rolke hasn't read it.

An additional resource is OBWB's July 2015 "Okanagan Water Supply" webinar document.  
There's also a 2005 Water Quality Objectives for Okanagan Lake...A First Update that is of interest.

On the subject of Okanagan Lake water license being a "low priority for the province", that plays entirely into the hands of GVW goals to further the failed referendum of the Master Water Plan...save water (via conservation), not caring a hoot that conservation increases users' cost per cubic meter!  Upland water licenses which we already possess can be transferred much easier than obtaining a new license. 

In addition to writing Rolke's story for him, GVW water engineers are stalling.
They know full well that the more water the conservation program--and horrendous water rates--reduce the use of water, the more likely the Province of B.C. will be reluctant to come to the table "because GVW has sufficient supply in the current system."   Joseph Heller would love this one!

Not to mention that population isn't expected to grow appreciably.

"Especially when house hunters learn that Armstrong's water rates are 31 cents versus GVW's which approach $2.00 a cubic metre," offers Kia, adding "that's the growth management tool that'll slam the door on growth!"


Speaking of water rates...have a look at 2016 Water Rate Sheets, soon to be approved by GVAC.

Journalism?  bureaucrats do the writing...