Water Service Disruption

RETURN TO SERVICE

Restoration of water service to the areas of town that have been without water is underway and will happen in phases.

It will be a 6-stage return to service:

*Open an exterior tap prior to turning on your water main and hot water tank and flush system for 10 minutes to remove sediment.

Stage 1: Active Repair COMPLETED

Stage 2: Reinstallation and System Start COMPLETED

Stage 3: Pressure Return & Service Stabilization COMPLETED

Stage 4: Flushing, Chlorination & Water Quality Testing COMPLETED

Stage 5: Boil Water Notice Remains in Effect COMPLETED

We are currently in STAGE 6: Return to Full Service

We Passed! The Boil Water Notice has been rescinded!

We’re pleased to share that recent water samples have successfully passed all required testing and have been deemed safe to drink by Interior Health.

Our crews are now actively working to reconnect the water lines serving low-pressure areas. This work is being completed in carefully managed increments to protect the integrity of the system as we return to normal operations. Residents in low-pressure areas may continue to experience some pressure fluctuations over the coming weeks as crews work toward the permanent placement.

Barring any unforeseen challenges, we anticipate that the entire system will be fully restored by the end of today.

Things to Know at this Stage:

Flushing Your Home or Building Plumbing System

Interior Health advises that any water system that has been shut down should be thoroughly flushed before normal use resumes, as stagnant water may remain in the lines.

Residents are encouraged to review the following general guidance:

Before You Begin

• Follow manufacturer instructions for appliances such as hot water tanks, softeners, and filtration systems.
• Where possible, discharge flushed water outside (e.g., using a hose or buckets) to avoid overloading septic systems.

General Flushing Steps

1. Flush exterior lines first
   Run outside taps for at least five minutes to clear the main water line.

2. Flush indoor cold-water faucets

   • Run each tap at full flow for at least five minutes.
   • Remove aerators/screens to ensure strong flow.

3. Flush the hot water system

   • Turn off power at the breaker (or follow manufacturer instructions for gas/propane units).
   • Allow water to cool (minimum two hours).
   • Run hot water taps until cold water flows.
   • Turn taps off and restore power once complete.

4. Flush and service connected systems
   Run enough water to replace at least one full volume of all lines and tanks.

   • Water softeners: Complete a regeneration cycle
   • Reverse osmosis units: Replace pre-filters and follow manual
   • Replace older or used filters (especially carbon filters)

5. Clean and flush small appliances
   Items such as coffee makers, Brita filters, and Water Piks should be thoroughly cleaned and flushed before use.

For more detailed guidance, please refer to Interior Health resources.

💧 WATER CONTAINER RETURNS 💧

Residents may now return water buckets and jugs by:

• Leaving them at the end of their driveway for collection, or
• Dropping them off at any District facility that is convenient

If you have any accessibility barriers or require assistance with returns, please contact Public Works at 250-865-4025 and we will be happy to help.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

💧 BOTTLED WATER AVAILABLE - FIRE HALL PICKUP 💧

Bottled water is available for residents at the Elkford Fire Hall during the following times:

• Monday, June 29, 2026: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

To support fair access for everyone, there is a limit of one flat per vehicle, per day. Additional pickup times will be shared as they become available.

Residents who may experience accessibility barriers are encouraged to contact Public Works at 250-865-4025, and staff will be happy to assist.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and for supporting one another, Elkford.

STAY INFORMED

This page will be regularly updated and will be the best one-stop source of information. Please continue to check this page frequently and follow the District’s Facebook page for updates.