CASA LOMA WATER UTILITIES
This page is for Casa Loma residents served by CASA LOMA WATER UTILITIES.
Casa Loma Water Uilities test the water on a daily basis for a chlorine residual at the end of the lines. This means that the chlorine has been pumped through the system and there is still some left over. Interior Health requires a residual of .25 to be maintained at the end of the line. The system is alarmed for failure of chlorine pumps. There are two pumps, so if one fails the other pump takes over. If there is a problem where neither one was working the system would shut the water pumps down so that no untreated water could get into the system. We have managed the system for over 30 years and have never had an e-coli count in the water. This was always a concern when old septic systems were leaching into the lake but ever since 2004 when the sanitary sewer system was completed this is not a problem.
Bacteriological testing is collected by us from the system every two weeks and is sent to Caro Labs for analysis. These results are posted on the IHA website under 'safe drinking water for all'. In addition, IHA performs random tests.
There are three levels of advisories for drinking water. The lowest level is an advisory only, usually used during freshet if the turbidity exceeds a reading of 1.0. We have had these advisories in place for several years, for about a six week period. They are put in place in conjunction with IHA and not removed until satisfactory readings are received. Fortunately, this year, the freshet has passed and turbidity was a none issue. A boil water notice is the next level and put in place if the turbidity in the water is 1-5. This is an order to residents to boil before use. This could also be ordered if there were e-coli present in the water or coliform counts were too high. The next level would be a "Do Not Consume" order. This would be used if there was an industrial spill, raw sewage leak, etc. that contaminated the supply.
The reservoirs are cleaned and sanitized every few years. This is done by a diving company and a remotely operated underwater vacuum. The intake is in 75ft. of water when the lake is at full pool and is approx. 2500 ft. out from shore with the screen suspended off lake bottom, so water is not being drawn from the bay area.
Ray and I, or someone that subs for us is on call 24/7, 365 days of the year. Ray is a certified operator for a small water system and I have taken many of the same courses.
Casa Loma Water Utilities