EXTREME WATER SHORTAGE – HEMLOCK VALLEY

EXTREME WATER RESTRICTION IN EFFECT FOR HEMLOCK VALLEY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

The Hemlock Utility team has been monitoring our water reservoir levels, until recently the flow into our reservoir has been similar to our usage.  This is no longer the case, and our water level has now dropped well below acceptable levels.  At this rate, we have less than a few days of water left.  We need everyone to do their part to ensure a safe supply of drinking water is available for the residents of Hemlock Valley.  If you do not live full-time in Hemlock Valley, we ask that you avoid visiting your property until this water restriction has been lifted.

Until further notice, the following are the ONLY PERMITTED uses of water:

  1. Drinking
  2. Brushing teeth by turning off the water and using only what is necessary
  3. Dishwashing, either by hand or using a high-efficiency dishwasher
  4. Shower of 5 minutes or less, but only if a flow restrictor is in place
  5. Flushing of Toilets,  only when necessary

ALL OTHER USES OF WATER ARE PROHIBITED!

Failure to conform to these restrictions will affect us all, and result in the water system being shut down. 

On behalf of the Hemlock Valley Utilities Team – Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

*** Please be aware, we have identified 2 potential well sites and have arranged a company who will drill these wells.  However, with engineering, approvals and construction they will likely not be in use until next summer.

WATER RESTRICTIONS – JUNE 7, 2023

WATER RESTRICTION IN EFFECT FOR HEMLOCK VALLEY EFFECTIVE JUNE 7, 2023

Water use restrictions are now in effect and apply to all users of the Hemlock Valley water system.  We have a very limited water supply and do not want to be in a situation again where we could run out of water.

Until further notice, the following water uses are prohibited:

  1. Lawn watering or irrigation
  2. Dust Control Efforts for Roads and Driveways
  3. Filling of swimming pools
  4. Washing vehicles or building exteriors by pressure washer or hose.

There are many ways to conserve water:

  • Limiting Changing of water for Hot Tubs to only when necessary
  • Taking short showers and install water saver heads
  • Turn off tap when brushing teeth or shaving
  • Use a timer on taps. This will ensure taps are not left running accidentally
  • Only water when plants need moisture or stick to watering times early in the morning or later in the evening
  • Check your property for any leaks and dripping taps, and make sure all taps are properly turned off.

Failure to conform to these restrictions can result in a $50 Fine per contravention. 

On behalf of the Hemlock Valley Utilities Team – Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Water Main Break – Disruption of Service

Please be advised, there is a break in the Water Main effecting Skyline Drive, Snowflake Cres & Place, and parts of Sakwi Creek Road.   These areas will see disruption of service, and all parts of the community may see a reduction in water pressure.  Crews have been dispatched to make repairs, estimated restoration of service is noon, and once repaired it will take several hours for water pressure to return to normal.

Thank you,

Hemlock Utilities Ltd.

NEW – WATER RESTRICTIONS REQUIRED – December 26, 2022

As per the Notice from December 25, 2022; “Water Turbulence remains very high, which increases the time necessary to treat the water. It will take time for the system to regain normal water pressure. We ask everyone to please limit their use while our team continues to refill the system.”

The levels of Turbidity in our water are at extreme levels; the heavy rainfall and water flow into the reservoir continue to stir up dirt and silt making the water more challenging and time consuming to treat.  In order to resume service, we announced water was available but asked to people limit their usage to allow the system to catch up.  We have been seeing extraordinary water usage levels, which is not allowing the system to catch up.

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED – WATER RESTRICTIONS FOR THE NEXT 72 HOURS:

Water usage must drop immediately, otherwise we will be forced to disconnect service while the system recovers.

How You Can Help:

  • Limit showers to 5 minutes or less
  • Do not fill hot-tubs, or large volume items
  • Use only the water you need
  • If you have renters or tenants, ensure they are aware of and following the restriction

Thank you for your understanding,

The Hemlock Utilities Team

WATER SERVICE HAS BEEN RESTORED – December 24, 2022

WATER SERVICE HAS BEEN RESTORED

The water system has enough water to restore service to Hemlock Valley.  Water Turbulence remains very high, which increases the time necessary to treat the water.  It will take time for the system regain normal water pressure.   We ask everyone to please limit their use for the next 48 hours while our team continues to refill the system.

 

BOIL WATER NOTICE REMAINS IN EFFECT

Warning: Boil or Otherwise Treat Your Water Before Using

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Do not Drink the water without Boiling it first or otherwise treating the water.
Boil water for 1 minute (rolling boil). Preferably use a Kettle so as to reduce the risk of burns. Let it COOL before using.
You can choose to use Bottled Water
Boiled or bottled water should be used for DRINKING, COOKING, BRUSHING TEETH, WASHING READY TO EAT FOODS & WASHING DISHES.
Store treated water in sanitary containers & keep refrigerated
OTHER METHODS OF TREATING YOUR WATER

Note: Brita Water Filters will NOT provide treatment for microbes

We will provide an update when service has been restored.

Thank you,

The Hemlock Utilities Team

EMERGENCY WATER SHUT DOWN – 6 PM TONIGHT

ALERT – WATER SERVICE WILL SHUT DOWN AT 6PM TONIGHT (December 23rd, 2022)

Due to the extreme cold weather, at this time the lake providing water to our reservoir is not capable of supplying water needed to maintain service.  Therefore we only have a few hours of water remaining.

Due to this, we are going to be forced to shut down water service tonight at 6pm.

  • We need everyone to turn off your toilets, and recommend melting snow to manually fill toilets
  • Fill containers with water to be boiled for personal consumption.  Please only take what you need.

We are exploring all possible options to be able to re-establish service as soon as possible, and will posting updates as they become available.

Thank you,

The Hemlock Utilities Team

Boil Water Advisory & Severe Water Shortage

Please be advised that effective immediately, extreme water restrictions and a Boil Water advisory are in place for Hemlock Valley.

Due to the extreme weather conditions, the lake providing water to our reservoir is not supplying an adequate volume of water to the reservoir to be treated.  It is believed an ice dam has formed and is blocking the flow.  We are putting the balancing tank into service as an emergency source of water.  The balancing tank has not been yet been cleared by Fraser Health, therefore a Boil Water Advisory is necessary.

Due to the extreme shortage of water we ask that everyone limits their usage to necessary usage only.  Crews will be investigating the feeder from the lake at first light in an attempt to resolve the situation.

  • The water restriction will be lifted as soon as the water supply has been resolved.
  • The Boil Water advisory will be lifted once we receive clearance from Fraser Health following testing next week when the lab reopens after their Christmas Closure.

Boil Water Notices will be delivered to homes throughout the village. Please make sure that renters and guests in your cabins are aware of the boil water notice. Please post it in a visible area inside rental suites.

BOIL WATER NOTICE

Warning: Boil or Otherwise Treat Your Water Before Using

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

  • Do not Drink the water without Boiling it first or otherwise treating the water.
  • Boil water for 1 minute (rolling boil). Preferably use a Kettle so as to reduce the risk of burns. Let it COOL before using.
  • You can choose to use Bottled Water
  • Boiled or bottled water should be used for DRINKING, COOKING, BRUSHING TEETH, WASHING READY TO EAT FOODS & WASHING DISHES.
  • Store treated water in sanitary containers & keep refrigerated

OTHER METHODS OF TREATING YOUR WATER

Note: Brita Water Filters will NOT provide treatment for microbes

Thank you for your patience and understanding,

Hemlock Utilities Team