High Efficiency RO/DI Systems

mike31154 · #1 05-01-2011, 03:14 PM

Hmm, interesting info on the non use of PRVs on the prairies. Greater Vernon appears to be an exception to the BC gravity fed norm though. There are insufficient sources/reservoirs in the surrounding mountains to provide water for everyone here. The bulk of our water comes from Kalamalka Lake. There are two pumping stations drawing water from the lake and they've recently upgraded the pumps to double HP. The city keeps cranking up the water rates to keep up with development, since the growth around here has spawned an ever increasing demand for water, which is relatively precious due to the dry climate. They've spent millions of $$ upgrading the Duteau Creek source which traditionally had high turbidity during spring run off causing frequent boil water notices. Even though the Duteau Creek source is up in the hills, there are still pumps involved to process the water through the fancy new treatment plant. And yes, they nail us with sewer charges based on the water meter reading, like Mindy in Saskatoon, double dinged. Even though in the summer the bulk of the water use is for lawns & gardens. Many more people xeriscaping their properties, turning them into gravel pits. I'm beginning to wonder whether keeping a garden is still worth it. As for the farmers & orchardists around here, there is a separate 'gray' water irrigation source that's turned on around this time of year and off again in the fall. Sorry, getting off topic here, but hey, it's still about water right??

wingedfish · #2 05-01-2011, 03:26 PM

I stand corrected, and suspect the high pressure is for elevation issues. 1/2 psi per foot of rise.

mike31154 · #3 05-01-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingedfish

I stand corrected, and suspect the high pressure is for elevation issues. 1/2 psi per foot of rise.

Hey, it's a big province, like most of them. Kelowna, just down the road has a large reservoir up in the hills, so likely most of their water comes gravity fed from that, perhaps some from Okanagan Lake, dunno, haven't really researched that area. Kelowna is easily twice the size of Greater Vernon.