Plans to permanently fix a south Okanagan community’s water problems have come to a screeching halt.

With the drinking water in Faulder contaminated with uranium and often in short supply, 80 homeowners were scheduled to be hooked up to Summerland’s water supply by next spring.

However, as the design process progressed, costs skyrocketed to nearly double the original $1.5 million estimate.

Doug French with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen says the district will appeal for more grant money from the federal and provincial governments.

If that fails, there are two other options to consider.

One is going back to private wells; the other is creating a Ranney well, which would draw water from a nearby creek and treat it with chlorine to dilute the uranium content within acceptable limits.

Officials say they have to move quickly because the aquifer could dry up at any time.

Once the regional district hears back from the federal and provincial governments, it will meet with Faulder residents to discuss options.