Boil Water Notice Update

As the community is back on a Boil Water Notice, the Trustees feel it is appropriate to provide an update on the situation. Aside from an electrical panel failure at the upper pumphouse that was quickly remedied, the system is running well. The chlorine levels are in a safe and consistent range. Despite that, we have had numerous unacceptable water samples detecting coliform in the water supply. The likely cause is the shallow depth of the intake at 7 meters and the warming lake temperatures.

As mandated by Interior Health, SEID has hired a water engineer to assess the intake. Their results will be finalized in July 2024; but they did provide a graph which shows how the water temperature is affected by the depth of the intake location. The graph can be viewed under "All Forms and Reports"  on the website. SEID will be acting on the engineers advice when we have the final results.

So, if last year is any indication, we may not have better water quality until the lake cools. In the meantime, the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has agreed to investigate taking over the water system. That will probably take a couple of years to finalize followed by a vote of SEID taxpayers.

The office has received several emails regarding the Upper Zone and Lower Zone of the District; the Upper Zone consists of properties at Racette Way, Ricard Place, 165,175,181 Eastside Road, the Lower Zone consists of all remaining properties within the Skaha Estates Improvement District.

B.C. is in the midst of a severe drought, let's all do our share in conserving water. In the meantime, you are encouraged to boil all water to be consumed or buy bottled water. Be Safe!