Individuals who damaged West Kelowna reservoir ‘co-operating’ with investigation, police say

Properties subject to the do not consume advisory are outlined in red in this map from the City of West Kelowna's website (westkelownacity.ca)

Mounties in West Kelowna say they have identified “all individuals believed to be involved” in an incident involving what they described as “intentional damage” to the city’s water supply last week.

In an update Tuesday, West Kelowna RCMP said those involved are “co-operating with the investigation.” The detachment’s statement makes no mention of charges.

“Investigators have determined that the incident resulted in only minor damage to the property,” the statement reads.

The incident occurred on the evening of March 18 at the Tallus Ridge reservoir.

Police have previously said they were called to the scene by city staff, who had received an alarm notification from the facility and located what they believed was “intentional damage to the reservoir itself.”

On Tuesday, Mounties said their investigation is ongoing and officers are assessing the circumstances “in consultation with the city.”

In response to the damage, West Kelowna issued a do not consume water order for certain residents of the Rose Valley Water Service Area.

That order was lifted Tuesday afternoon, with the city saying water quality tests from the reservoir and the associated portion of the water distribution system met all provincial and federal standards.

“The Tallus Reservoir has been fully cleaned and inspected following last week’s security breach, during which city crews promptly isolated the reservoir after receiving an intrusion alarm,” the city’s update reads.

“Enhanced security measures have since been reinstated. The reservoir will be refilled and returned to service later this week. The Shannon Woods Reservoir is currently providing water to this area until the Tallus Reservoir is back in service.”