The North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project (NOWRP) is the result of a unique partnership launched in 2015 by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), Township of Spallumcheen and Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) to implement a community sewer system.
The project will provide sewer service to residents and businesses in portions of RDNO Electoral Areas B and C, the Township of Spallumcheen’s southeast industrial area and have the ability to service parts of OKIB.
This is one of the last developed areas of the Okanagan without a community sewer system.
CONSTRUCTION IS STARTING JULY 2026
Construction is ready to get going. Site work is set to begin in July 2026, on the Township of Spallumcheen’s portion of the project. Those in the area may have noticed a site trailer, signage and more happening in the area. Visit our News page for updates.
The Benefits of the Project
- Reduce leaching of contaminants into Swan Lake
- Improve surface and groundwater quality
- Enhance the natural habitat and support wildlife habitats
- Increased options for development and business enhancement
- Job creation during project construction
- Development to meet future growth
- Farmers to access reclaimed water for irrigation
- Reclaimed water contains nutrients for crop growth
- Water supply during drought conditions
- Increased property values for homeowners
- No more hauling of wastewater
- Enhanced recreational opportunities
WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS
This transformative project will replace failing septic systems in the Swan Lake corridor, protect Swan Lake from contamination, and support local agriculture by recovering and reclaiming wastewater for irrigation. It also opens up new development opportunities for the Township of Spallumcheen.
It is a partnership between the Regional District of North Okanagan, the Township of Spallumcheen, and the Okanagan Indian Band, working together since 2015 on one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the Township’s history.
Our Project Partners
A wastewater system that supports our local farming community with reclaimed irrigation water is still very real for the North Okanagan. Rising costs mean we need to be flexible and responsible to the communities we serve.
Mayor Christine Fraser
Township of Spallumcheen
As we recover from floods, fires and other setbacks, a system that gives back to our land and improves our environment is one that we still support.
Chief Byron Louis
Okanagan Indian Band
This project means a healthier Swan Lake and an opportunity for future development in a responsible and healthy way for the local eco-system. The economic and environmental benefits to the area will be huge. I’m excited to see construction starting up in Spallumcheen as it marks a major project milestone and a positive step forward for our community. I am confident the RDNO portion of the project will start soon, taking advantage of this construction season.
Electoral Area B Director, Bob Fleming
Regional District of North Okanagan
This project reflects the kind of long-term thinking our region needs. Protecting Swan Lake while securing a reliable water supply for local farmers strengthens our environment, supports agriculture, and builds resilience throughout the North Okanagan as water scarcity becomes an increasing challenge. It's exciting to see construction begin and this important investment move from planning to reality.
