Wastewater Treatment & Recovery
Historically, septic systems have been used to collect and treat wastewater on residential/business properties in the Swan Lake Corridor. 2015 and 2016 water quality assessments showed that many aging septic systems are leaking contaminants into Swan Lake. This contamination contributes to the degradation of water quality and bird habitat. Improved water quality would enrich fish and bird habitat and enhance recreational opportunities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
The North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Facility will help protect Swan Lake water quality and support local agriculture with reclaimed water. The Township of Spallumcheen has also secured a 99-year lease for reclaimed water storage.
How will the system work?
The wastewater recovery system will include collection and transmission infrastructure, a wastewater recovery facility, effluent storage ponds, and a irrigation and water re-use network.
The wastewater treatment plant will use partial mix aerated lagoons. Aerated lagoons are very effective at treating wastewater and are easy to operate. The water will then be disinfected with chlorine, making it suitable for agricultural irrigation.
What is wastewater?
Also known as sewage or liquid waste, wastewater is the untreated contaminated liquids and solids from homes and businesses (e.g., toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines). Contaminants must be treated by a septic system or treatment plant before they can be reused or disposed of.
What will the reclaimed water be used for?
The reclaimed water will be used to irrigate forage crops, such as silage corn and alfalfa. It will not be used on food crops or as drinking water. Similar water reuse systems already operate in Vernon, Kamloops, Armstrong, and Cranbrook. Expanding reclaimed water use beyond what’s currently planned would require a non-farm use application through the Province’s Agricultural Land Commission.
Could using reclaimed water for irrigation affect Swan Lake or groundwater quality?
No. Reclaimed water is only applied to fields during the growing season, when crops can take up the water and its nutrients. It is not applied during the winter; outside the growing season, it is held in the project’s storage ponds instead. This approach, together with the water reuse permits issued by the Province, is designed to protect groundwater and Swan Lake. It is also consistent with the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s long-standing mandate, more than 40 years, to reduce the nutrients reaching Okanagan lakes and streams, which is why the OBWB provides funding for this kind of project.
Will the facility cause odour problems?
The access road on site serves construction and future maintenance of the facility; it isn’t used to transport or dispose of biosolids on Okanagan Indian Band land. Biosolids will be processed by Curtis Farms, a licensed operator located within the Township of Spallumcheen.