The beautiful community of Summerland (population 10,000) is nestled along the majestic Okanagan Lake and is surrounded with mountains, orchards and vineyards. The source of drinking water, Trout Creek can see water quality change drastically in the spring (turbidity and colour) and in summer (algae).

With British Columbia's upcoming drinking water quality objectives, Summerland decided in 2003 to move ahead with the construction of a new water treatment plant. Irrigation is responsible for more than 80% of the water demand. However, a recent study concluded that splitting the domestic and agricultural water systems was not economically feasible. The new plant would have to supply both systems.

In 2004, a comparative study between Actiflo^® ballasted floc clarification and dissolved air flotation concluded that Actiflo^® could deal better with the seasonal unknowns of the water, had the ability to better remove particles and used less electricity.

The new plant (72 ML/d) will consist of two Actiflo^® clarifiers and six DUSENFLO filters. Start-up is scheduled for spring 2008.