The District of 100 Mile House Utilities Department is responsible for providing the residents with clean water, sanitary sewer treatment and storm water management within the Municipality.
A Commitment to Water Security
The District is taking proactive steps to ensure a safe, sustainable, and resilient water supply for our community—now and for generations to come.
In November 2024, the District completed a comprehensive Drought Study of Bridge Creek, formally known as a Water Availability Assessment. The study recommended re-establishing Bridge Creek as the primary drinking water source, while maintaining the existing wells as a redundant, backup supply. This dual-source approach enhances our resilience and ensures long-term water security.Responding to Climate Change
With the growing impacts of climate change, the importance of water supply redundancy and surface water storage has never been greater. The District is fortunate to have both systems in place, providing a strong foundation for sustainable water management.
Improving Water Quality
In response to corrosion issues in the water distribution system, the District conducted a water quality study. With approval from Interior Health, a pilot project was launched to explore effective methods for reducing copper and lead levels in the water. The findings of this study and pilot project are available below.
Collaborating for Sustainable Management
District representatives recently met with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship to discuss:
- Water licensing
- Storage capacity
- Strategies to reduce the use of treated water in non-essential applications
These discussions are essential to ensuring the sustainable management of our water resources.
Investing in Infrastructure
To support these efforts, the District is advancing the detailed design of a new water treatment plant—a key step in preparing for grant funding applications in fall 2025.
In addition, a review of the Horse Lake control structure is underway. Recommendations include installing a permanent hydrometric station to support long-term monitoring of water flow and availability.Planning for the Future
Looking ahead, the Mayor is working closely with regional stakeholders to establish a watershed board. This forward-looking initiative will help ensure the long-term protection and sustainable management of our watershed.
District of 100 Mile House – Water Study
In March 2022, the District of 100 Mile House, in consultation with TRUE Engineering, initiated a water quality study in response to corrosion observed within the water distribution system.
The study aimed to determine whether the treated well water was contributing to corrosion.
Water samples were collected from various locations, including homes with aged plumbing and new construction using Pex piping. Some locations had water softeners, while others did not.Key findings included:
- Copper and lead were detected in the water upon first draw.
- After running the water for five minutes, these metals were no longer present.
Following consultation with TRUE Engineering and approval from Interior Health, a pilot program was launched in June 2024. The District introduced Carus 4500, a widely-used water treatment additive, into the system. This additive, a orthophosphate, is known to form a protective coating inside pipes, helping to prevent the leaching of copper and lead.
After extensive testing, the program concluded in January 2025. Results showed insignificant improvements, and the pilot was discontinued.
Public Health Recommendation
As a simple precaution—especially in homes with older plumbing—residents are encouraged to run their taps for about five minutes in the morning or after long periods of non-use. This helps ensure fresh water from the main supply is flowing through your pipes before drinking or cooking.
For more information, please contact:
Todd Conway
Director of Community Services
📞 250-395-2434
📧 district@100milehouse.com1. What is the District doing to ensure a reliable water supply?
The District has taken a major step forward by completing a comprehensive Water Availability Assessment (Drought Study) for Bridge Creek. Based on the study’s findings, we are planning to re-establish Bridge Creek as our primary water source, while maintaining our well system as a reliable backup. This dual-source approach strengthens our water security and ensures long-term reliability.
2. Why is the District considering using Bridge Creek again?
Bridge Creek is a sustainable, high-quality surface water source. With climate change increasing the risk of drought, having both surface and groundwater sources gives the District greater flexibility and resilience in meeting future water demands.
3. How is climate change affecting our water supply planning?
Climate change is bringing more unpredictable weather patterns, including longer and more frequent droughts. In response, the District is investing in redundant water sources and surface water storage to help buffer against these risks and ensure a stable supply for the community.
4. Is a new water treatment plant being built?
The District is currently developing a detailed design for a modern water treatment plant. This facility will support the transition to Bridge Creek as the main source and enhance overall water quality. We are preparing to apply for grant funding in fall 2025 to support construction.
5. How is the District working with the Province on water supply issues?
The District is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. Recent discussions have focused on water licensing, storage capacity, and reducing the use of treated water for non-essential purposes. These partnerships are key to ensuring long-term water sustainability and regulatory alignment.
6. What steps are being taken to monitor water sources long-term?
A review of the Horse Lake control structure is underway. One of the key recommendations is to install a permanent hydrometric station to support ongoing monitoring of water flow and availability—a critical step in long-term water management.
7. How is the District protecting the watershed?The Mayor is leading a collaborative effort with local and regional stakeholders to establish a watershed board. This initiative will help ensure the long-term protection and sustainable management of our watershed, safeguarding it for future generations.
8. Is our current drinking water safe?
Yes. The District’s water sources are regularly tested and continue to meet or exceed all provincial water quality standards. Our ongoing improvements reflect our commitment to staying ahead of future challenges and maintaining excellent water quality for all residents.
1. Why was a water quality study conducted?
In March 2022, the District of 100 Mile House, in consultation with TRUE Engineering, initiated a water quality study in response to corrosion in the water distribution system. The goal was to determine whether the treated well water was contributing to the issue.
2. What was tested during the study?
Water samples were collected from several locations, including homes with both aged plumbing and new Pex piping. Some locations also had water softeners. This helped assess a range of conditions in the water system.
3. What were the findings?
The study found that copper and lead were present in water samples taken on first draw (when water is first turned on after sitting for a while). However, these metals were no longer detected after flushing taps for five minutes.
4. What is Carus 4500?
Carus 4500 is an orthophosphate-based water treatment additive. It works by forming a thin protective coating on the interior surfaces of pipes. This coating helps prevent metals like lead and copper from leaching into the water.
5. Why was Carus 4500 used?
Based on case studies showing its effectiveness in reducing metal leaching, Carus 4500 was introduced into the District’s water system in June 2024 as part of a pilot program approved by Interior Health and TRUE Engineering.
6. Was Carus 4500 effective?
Despite initial hopes, testing during the pilot program showed insignificant improvements in reducing lead and copper levels. The program was discontinued in January 2025 after consultation with TRUE Engineering and Interior Health.
7. Is Carus 4500 safe?
Yes. Carus 4500 is widely used in municipal water systems and is approved for use by regulatory health authorities. However, in this case, it did not produce the expected results in the District’s specific water distribution environment.
8. What should residents do to reduce exposure to lead and copper?
As a simple precaution—especially in homes with older plumbing—residents are encouraged to run their taps for about five minutes in the morning or after long periods of non-use. This helps ensure fresh water from the main supply is flowing through your pipes before drinking or cooking.
9. What are the District's next steps?
The District is reviewing the feasibility of transitioning back to a surface and ground water supply. This includes considering the construction of a new membrane water treatment plant at the site of the former sand filtration plant along Bridge Creek.
10. Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Todd Conway, Director of Community Services at the District of 100 Mile House Office: 250-395-2434 or email district@100milehouse.com
Water Services Information
The District of 100 Mile House drinking water system consists of a single treatment plant that feeds the distribution system through most areas of 100 Mile House. The water distribution system consists of three reservoirs, one booster station and a pressure reducing station. The storage capacity of our reservoirs is as follows: Low Zone Reservoir - 1.2 million liters, High Zone Reservoir – 455,000 liters and the Exeter Reservoir – 1.6 Million Liters.
The distribution system consists of 24.98 km of water mains, 1 booster station, 3 reservoirs, and a total of approximately 850 connections.
THE BULK WATER STATION IS OPEN.
In order to make water more conveniently available to residential and commercial customers, the District of 100 Mile House has installed a bulk water station.
To access the bulk water station you must first open an account by submitting a completed Bulk Station PIN # Application . An Account Access Fee of $100.00 is payable upon application. Water will be billed at $0.02/litre.
Bulk Water accounts will be switching to pre-pay as of February 1st, 2025 for all non-commercial users.
To use the Bulk Water Station:
- Turn your vehicle engine off and set the parking brake when filling the water.
- Connect your hose to the fill station (Barrel Fill) with the appropriate 2-inch male cam-lock fitting.
- Follow prompts on screen and enter the amount of water in cubic metres of water required. (Conversion chart located by keypad).
For more information, please call: 250-395-2434.
The Bulk Water Station is located just off Exeter Truck Route (near the Co-op Cardlock).
Should you need your water turned off to complete a repair please contact us or call the District of 100 Mile House office at 250-395-2434.
$35.00 fee is applicable for all on and off services completed.
In extremely cold weather water pipes are susceptible to freezing and can rupture. You can help prevent your pipes from freezing by keeping room heated to five degrees Celsius where water lines enter the building or wrap lines with heat tape. Check pipes frequently to ensure heat tape is operational. Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls or are located in cold spaces.
Pipes are most vulnerable when located:
- In a outside wall
- Under a sink on an outside wall
- In an unheated crawlspace
If your pipes have broken and you must complete an emergency repair please contact the District of 100 Mile House at 250-395-2434 or after hours 250-706-2217.
The District of 100 Mile House is committed to providing safe drinking water to each and every connection within its service area. To this end the distribution system is sampled at least 3 different locations weekly. These locations change on a weekly basis. These samples are analyzed for background bacterial counts, total coliforms and E. Coli.
The water quality from our source water, at the treatment facility and within the distribution system is analyzed extensively. Samples are collected daily and analyzed locally from the raw water and treated water at the plant. Bacteriological samples are also analyzed throughout the distribution system on a weekly basis. Also samples of our source water and from within the distribution system are taken and sent off to an accredited lab for extensive analysis.
Sewer Services Information
The sanitary sewer system is a complex system that connects residential and commercial properties to the wastewater facilities and lagoons located on Canim-Hendrix road.
It is essential that substances and waste materials entering the sanitary sewer system do not:
- Harm the environment
- Damage the treatment plant
- Complicate the treatment process
- Post a health threat to maintenance and repair crews
If a matter or liquid can reasonably be thrown into the garbage or recycled please do not flush it down the toilet or wash it down the drain.
Blockages in sewer mains can cause sewage to backup into a residence. Blockages may result from:
- Vegetation roots growing into the line
- Improper disposal of items such as grease, wipes, diapers and other items flushed down the toilet
Failing to act in a timely manner may increase damage to yours and possibly your neighbours property. If you suspect a blockage within the municipal sewer main please contact the District office immediately at 250-395-2434 or after hours 250-706-2156.
DO:
- Use a strainer over the drain in sinks, tubs, and showers, and empty it into the garbage, not the toilet.
- Place food scraps in the compost or garbage, scrape dishes into the garbage, not the sink.
- Use biodegradable products for cleaning and doing laundry.
- Use the manufacturer's recommended amount of detergent for cleaning (the average household uses three times more than recommended). Cutting back also saves money.
- Place a garbage can in the bathroom to dispose of solid wastes such as disposable diapers, condoms, paper towel, and personal hygiene products.
- Take pharmaceutical products to a pharmacy to be properly disposed of.
- Pour liquid fats, oils, and grease into a jar or container with a lid to cool, and then throw it in the garbage. Wipe down greasy pots and pans with a paper towel, prior to washing them, in the sink or dishwasher.
- Use the "3 Rs": Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle.
DON'T:
- Use the toilet as a garbage can.
- Pour fats, oil, or grease down the drain as they will solidify in the cold pipe.
- Pour sour milk down the drain (One litre of three per cent milk has enough fat in it to cover the surface of an Olympic-sized swimming pool). Dispose of it in the garbage.
- Wash food scraps, tea leaves, coffee grounds, or eggshells down the sink.
- Flush razor blades, condoms, pharmaceutical products, cigarette butts, nail polish remover, toilet rolls, or other non-biodegradable products down the toilet.
- Pour chemicals, paint, motor oil, pesticides, or any other harmful products down the drain. Check recycling depots for disposal information. Note: Improper disposal may result in fines.
- Flush out a commercial grease interceptor with hot water to clean it or wash it in the dishwasher. Remove all grease and dispose of it appropriately.
- Use excessive detergent, as it contains large amounts of oil, grease, and fat. It makes cleaning and treating waste water difficult and costly. This will result in less phosphate entering the water table, and will prevent excess algae growth in the water.