Water

Water moves through several parts of the system before reaching homes and businesses.

1. Water Supply
Groundwater is drawn from wells located throughout the community.

2. Pumping and Storage
Water is pumped into the distribution system and stored in reservoirs. Reservoirs help balance changes in demand throughout the day and provide water for emergencies and fire protection.

3. Pressure Management
Osoyoos has significant changes in elevation. The water system is divided into pressure zones to help maintain appropriate water pressure in different parts of the community.

4. Distribution
A network of watermains carries water from the Town's wells and reservoirs to individual properties. Valves, hydrants and other infrastructure allow the Town to operate, maintain and repair the system.

The Town completed a Water System Infrastructure Plan to assess the condition and capacity of the water system and identify improvements required over the long term.

The plan identified projects intended to:

• improve system reliability and redundancy;
• address aging infrastructure;
• improve water circulation and water quality;
• provide appropriate water pressure throughout the system;
• improve connections between pressure zones;
• strengthen fire-flow capacity; and

• accommodate future community growth.

  Recommended infrastructure improvements include new watermain connections and looping, pressure-zone connections, automatic flushing systems, chlorine monitoring and continued water system planning and asset management.

  These improvements are intended to be completed over a number of years as part of the Town's long-term capital planning.

  View the Plan

The Town regularly monitors and tests its drinking water to ensure it meets applicable drinking water requirements.

Osoyoos' groundwater sources also present long-term water quality challenges, including naturally occurring substances such as manganese, ammonia and organic material. The Town continues to investigate options for improving water quality and strengthening the reliability of the community's drinking water supply.

Water demand in Osoyoos varies considerably throughout the year, particularly during the summer when the community's population increases and outdoor water use is at its highest.

Long-term planning also needs to account for population growth, aging wells and infrastructure, water quality, drought conditions and the need for a reliable supply during emergencies.

Since completion of the 2023 Water System Infrastructure Plan, the Town has continued investigating options for Osoyoos' future drinking water supply, including the feasibility of using Osoyoos Lake as a source for a centralized water treatment system.

A pilot treatment program completed in 2026 confirmed that Osoyoos Lake can provide a viable long-term water source using proven treatment technologies. The Town is continuing with planning, design, costing, funding and regulatory work before decisions are made on construction of a future treatment system.

Learn more about the Water Treatment Plant Project

Maintaining a reliable water system isn't only about building infrastructure. Water conservation helps reduce pressure on wells, pumps, reservoirs and the distribution system, particularly during periods of high summer demand.

Residents can help by following current watering restrictions, checking their property for leaks and making water-efficient choices indoors and outdoors.

The Town continues to invest in water conservation initiatives, infrastructure improvements and long-term water supply planning to help ensure Osoyoos has a safe and reliable water supply for years to come.

Learn more about Water Conservation