Water

Complete List of Water Conservation Measures for All Stages

Water Notifications Service

Sign up here: RDCK Water Notification Service 

The RDCK has upgraded to a new notifications service powered by Voyent Alert . The new service was implemented this summer in conjunction with the RDCK Emergency Services department. Users will receive both Emergency and RDCK Water System notifications based on the location entered when signing up. The service offers users a choice of how to receive notification: mobile app, email, SMS text message, or text to landline voice call. Voyent Alert is FREE, easy to use, 100% Canadian, and totally anonymous. 

RDCK water system customers will receive water system related notifications that include: water quality advisories, maintenance activities, water conservation measures, and other public notices. Once registered, users will automatically be subscribed to receive notifications sent out by Emergency Services, as well as RDCK water system specific notifications, Users are able to customize which notifications they would like to receive within the "My Topics" tab, and can subscribe to receive notifications for multiple locations throughout the RDCK. 

If you need assistance in signing up, contact the RDCK Water Services Office at (250) 428-2612  or 1-833-233-2662. 

Current Water Advisories / Conservation Measures / Maintenance Notices

Click HERE to see Boil Water Notices, Water Quality Advisories, Water Conservation Measures, and Maintenance Notices currently on RDCK water systems.

Water, Water, Everywhere....
The Regional District currently owns and operates 19 water systems. Locations can be seen on the RDCK Water Systems map.

For more information on RDCK water systems please visit the RDCK Water Systems webpage.

For information on water systems not owned/operated by the RDCK, visit the Interior Health Interactive Drinking Water Advisory Map to search the entire Interior Health region for current drinking water advisories.  You can also learn about water suppliers, types of advisories and the reasons for the advisories.

Capital Projects

Current RDCK water system capital projects:

System  Description Status 
Woodbury Water treatment system upgrades  15% complete
ALL SCADA system upgrades  50% complete

 

Completed RDCK water system projects:

System Description  Completed 
Grandview Properties Meter Interface Unit (MIU) upgrade October 2021
Woodland Heights  Disinfection treatment system and building upgrades  September 2020
Erickson  Water distribution system replacement along Tooze Road July 2020 
Edgewood New well sources, reservoir, pumpstation, and water transmission line December 2019
Balfour  Universal metering, new resevoir, Busk Road mainline replacement, new booster pumps and PLC controls at treatment plant July 2019

 

Water Bylaws

The terms and conditions under which water from the Regional District of Central Kootenay Water Systems may be supplied, used and regulated can be seen in Water Bylaw No. 2894The utility rates, fees, and charges for the Regional District of Central Kootenay owned utilities can be seen in Utilities Rates, Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2895

Billing and Account Changes

Please visit the Utility Billing webpage to find information on utility billing services, and how to request a new account or report a change to an exisitng account.

Drinking Water Services FAQ

Why are changes being made to my water system?

Many of BC’s water systems are in need of infrastructure upgrades and/or replacement. The changes planned for many RDCK water systems are intended to correct the problems that are related to age and years of use. For specific project information, see Water Systems.

Why are there sometimes contaminants in my drinking water?

Many water systems in BC draw their drinking water straight from surface sources. Many micro-biological contaminants occur naturally and are part of a functioning ecosystem. Other contaminants are the result of metals leaching from the ground or from the introduction of fecal matter from livestock or wildlife.

Who is most at risk from drinking water contamination?

Everyone is at risk from water contamination. However, the very young, the very old, and people with suppressed immune systems are most at risk of becoming ill. 

What are the benefits and drawbacks of using chlorine to treat my drinking water?

When using chlorine as the sole treatment method, high doses of chlorine are required for extended periods of contact time. The amount of chlorine required and the time required depends on the temperature and chemistry of the water. If organics are present in the source water and chlorine is used as a treatment method, the chlorine can react with the organics and produce byproducts that create odour and taste problems.

Modern drinking water treatment processes, like those used at many RDCK facilities, use filtration to remove the organics and micro-organisms followed by ultra violet light to kill any harmful micro-organisms that may have passed through the filtration process. Once all the organics have been removed from the water, a very small amount of chlorine is added to maintain the quality of the water as it travels through pipes to your tap. Chlorine in this concentration does not produce odour problems, taste problems or, without any organics for the chlorine to react with, harmful byproducts.

For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of chlorine, please see Health Canada's website on drinking water chlorination.

How can I remove chlorine from my drinking water?

Chlorine can be easily removed from drinking water using a simple carbon filter (e.g. Brita filters) or by letting water stand overnight in a clean, covered jug.

Can I acquire immunity to the micro-organisms in drinking water?

Immunity is not possible. However, the symptoms of gastro-intestinal illness (e.g. stomach cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, etc.) may be reduced with long-term exposure. This desensitization does not fully protect the individual from large and sudden doses of contaminants.

Why is my water system on a Boil Water Notice?

Interior Health issues a Boil Water Notice when a water system's test results indicate the presence of certain micro-organisms (i.e., coliforms) or pathogens (i.e., E. coli). Boil Water Notices will also be issued as a precautionary measure when work is being completed that depressurizes the water main, which creates a potential pathway for contaminants to enter the water system. 

When can I expect the Boil Water Notice on my water system to be lifted?

Only Interior Health can lift or issue a Boil Water Notice. In general, a water system will have to produce two consecutive water samples that show zero micro-organisms.

Can my system become an RDCK-owned water system?

Currently, the RDCK has a moratorium on the intake of acquisition applications from water and wastewater systems.

The content on this page was last updated June 29 2023 at 9:26 AM