Pump failure at Water Street lift station won’t impact service, effect on Mill Creek unknown

The City of Kelowna says crews have responded to a pump failure at the Water Street lift station and the situation is under control.

Overflow has been contained and site cleanup is underway, but the cause of the failure and the quantity of effluent that ran into Mill Creek is still unknown.

The City said there has been no disruption to service for local residents and businesses and assured that there wouldn’t be one.

“Seven vacuum trucks are moving effluent from the lift station to the Kelowna Wastewater Treatment Facility and effluent levels are lowering as a result,” said Utility Services Manager Kevin Van Vliet.

“An alternative pump is being sourced and crews will work continuously to get it in place.”

Now that the runoff into Mill Creek has been stopped, water quality testing in the creek is underway.

BC’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has been alerted and the City said it will work with the Province to understand and address any impact on Mill Creek and the surrounding environment.

More answers are expected to come once water quality testing in the creek is complete and the lift station can be drained and analysed.

Water Street remains open in the area, but traffic flow is being controlled and residents are asked to avoid the area if possible.