The City of Penticton and the Penticton Indian Band (PIB) have finalized a bulk water agreement that will provide PIB with an emergency and interim source of safe, treated drinking water — supporting the immediate needs of the community while reflecting a shared commitment to partnership, reconciliation, and a strong future together.
The City will supply up to 50 litres per second (4.3 megalitres per day) at a connection on Green Avenue under a 20 year agreement. The agreement also responds to PIB’s request for an emergency connection while it continues to plan for its own long term, community-led water solutions, including a potential water treatment facility.
Click here to read the full announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the City enter into this agreement?
• The PIB requested an emergency connection to the City’s water system to address water supply capacity issues with it’s Skaha aquifer resulting from the on-going drought conditions.
Does this impact the City’s capacity to service growth?
• No, the City has ensured that anticipated growth is accounted for in all technical analysis, in addition to the request from the PIB
What does the agreement include?
• Provision of a maximum of 50L/s (or 4.3 Megalitres per day) of bulk treated water, at a connection point on Green Avenue, for 20 years
• A variable water rate ($/m3) that recovers the variable cost of service, meaning the cost to treat and deliver water to the connection point
• A monthly capital service fee equivalent to a proportionate share of the City’s average annual investment for raw water infrastructure and the Water Treatment Plant
• Annual adjustment of fees to reflect updated asset values and costs
• Upgrades to the City’s water distribution system that are required to provide the water, including the connection works at Green Avenue, at the cost of PIB
• Requirement for PIB customers to have water meters within 3 years is underway by PIB
Will this impact my water rates?
• No. The agreement ensures that the City is compensated for both the variable cost to treat and supply the additional water, as well as proportionate contribution to the maintenance and replacement of the City’s infrastructure. These funds will be available to support asset renewals, as well as capacity improvements should they be required.
What about the long term?
• PIB Council adopted their Water Master Plan in 2024. As part of the long-term plan, they are investigating an Okanagan Lake intake and a Water Treatment Plant.
• Should the PIB not wish to construct their own water treatment plant, they may in the future request up to 130L/s (or 11.2 Megalitres per day) from the City. However, that would require a new or amended agreement.
Who will PIB provide water to?
• PIB will be permitted to distribute the water within the designated service area (IR1)
Is the water going to be used by PIB for commercial agricultural purposes or strictly residential and fire provision?
• PIB will be permitted to distribute the water in the designated service area (IR1) currently there are no plans for commercial agricultural purposes.
How will this influence our water restrictions?
• This will not influence the City’s water restrictions. PIB developed and implemented a robust water restrictions program in 2022. PIB will closely follow the City’s Water Restrictions stages of conservation.
Is the city responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the PIB system?
• No. The PIB will be responsible for all infrastructure beyond the connection point
Is the city responsible for water quality after the water enters the PIB network?
• No. The PIB will be responsible for water quality beyond the connection point.