SMWS Updates: pre-feasibility study and WLRS rate proposal in the works

Hi all,

RDOS/PIB Pre-feasibility Study:

The RDOS/PIB water treatment plant pre-feasibility study has been received by the RDOS and will undergo an internal review by staff before presentation to the Board. Once the Board formally accepts the study for information, the Board will direct staff to post the assessment on RDOS sites. I'll also share it through the ‘Our Area F’ blog.   

As a reminder, the pre-feasibility study will assess whether an RDOS jointly owned water treatment facility is worth further investigation, alongside two water source options put forward by the McElhanney assessment: a standalone SMWS water treatment plant (~$8.2M) or connect to Penticton (~ $6.4M).  The pre-feasibility study is an initial and exploratory step for long-term planning.  

WLRS Proposed Rate Application

I understand that WLRS Water Utility Regulation staff have prepared a proposed rate application for Sage Mesa Utility and rate payers can expect to receive the information soon. Citizens on the Sage Mesa Water System can review and comment on the application during the consultation period before it’s sent to the Comptroller of Water Rights for decision. 

I don’t have any details on the province’s proposed rate application or consultation timeline. WLRS will not share the information with me or the RDOS prior to it being delivered to citizens.

City of Penticton

RDOS and City staff continue to meet. We hope to receive more information from the City of Penticton’s ongoing infrastructure review and will let citizens know when we do.

Thank you,

Riley