Vernon water utility warns of risks from orchardists' planned wells in Coldstream
Amid a historic drought, Greater Vernon Water has activated Stage 3 water restrictions, asking its 56,000 customers to cut use by half. Orchardists David Geen, owner of Jealous Fruits, and John Byland have asked the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to allow three private wells to be drilled into the Coldstream aquifer to keep their cherry and nursery trees alive.
The utility and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) have written to the Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship, expressing “very concerned” about the plan. A hydrogeological report from Caulwell Engineering Geoscience Ltd. says the aquifer is likely linked to surface waters that feed Kalamalka Lake, creating short‑ and long‑term risks to the community water supply and the environment.
The two orchardists hold a combined 480 acres of water allotment in the Coldstream Valley, representing about 1,060 megalitres – roughly 10 % of the Duteau Reservoir’s storage. Agricultural water allocations have already been cut by 70 % for nearly 3,000 hectares of irrigated land.
Entities: David Geen · Greater Vernon Water · John Byland · Kalamalka Lake · Regional District of North Okanagan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 6 SOURCES] David Geen and John Byland plan to drill three private wells into the Coldstream aquifer. (Orchardists)
- [● 6 SOURCES] The region is under Stage 3 water restrictions, requiring a 50 % reduction for 56,000 customers. (Greater Vernon Water)
- [● 6 SOURCES] The proposed wells could pose short‑ and long‑term risks to the community water supply and the environment. (Utility and RDNO concerns)
- [● 6 SOURCES] A hydrogeological report from Caulwell Engineering Geoscience Ltd. says the Coldstream aquifer likely connects to surface waters feeding Kalamalka Lake. (Caulwell Engineering Geoscience Ltd.)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Greater Vernon Water and the Regional District of North Okanagan sent a letter to the Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship expressing concern about the wells. (Utility and RDNO)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Agricultural water allocation has been reduced by 70 % for nearly 3,000 hectares of irrigated land. (Greater Vernon Water)
- [● 6 SOURCES] The orchardists hold a combined 480 acres allotment in the Coldstream Valley, equal to about 1,060 megalitres (10 % of Duteau Reservoir storage). (Orchardists)