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Water

Keeping you hydrated

The Village of Nakusp is responsible for operating and maintaining safe and effective water services for our residents. Trained and certified staff members ensure that our water quality exceeds government requirements.

If you have an urgent concern that requires the attention of Public Works, or you suspect a water leak, please contact us immediately:

  • T 250.265.3556   Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • C 250.265.3861   Evenings & Weekends
Water Restrictions for lawn and garden
Addresses Watering Times
Odd numbered houses may water on odd days only Between 6 am – 9 am AND 8 pm – 11 pm
Even numbered houses may water on even days only Between 6 am – 9 am AND 8 pm – 11 pm
Water Services
Please contact the Village office to make arrangements for the following services:
Application for a Temporary Water Shut Off and Turn ON Water Locate
New Water Connection Permanent Disconnection

Contact

Water restrictions – conserving is key

The village’s consumption of water almost triples between May to September – mainly due to lawn watering.  The amount of water used every day to water lawns is equal to fighting a house fire.

In order to ensure that enough water is left in our reserves to provide fire protection and potable drinking water, watering restrictions are strictly enforced.   Please help us conserve water by only watering your lawn and garden as outlined above.

Watermain Flushing Program

Watermain flushing aims to maintain drinking water quality.  We complete this task by forcing water through the watermains at high speed and discharging it through fire hydrants.  The hydrants are left open until the water runs clear.  This process cleans out mineral deposits and sediments that have built up over time and settled at the bottom of the pipes.

Things you can do after flushing.

  • Remove the aerators (screens) from your taps
  • Turn the cold water tap on and let the water run for ten (10) minutes
  • Place the aerators back on your taps.

Asbestos Cement Pipes

Asbestos-Cement (A-C) pipes were widely used across Canada in the 1940s through to the 1970s.  Asbestos fiber was historically used to make products robust, long-lasting and fire-resistant. Industry standards have moved away from using A-C pipes. They remain in use in various drinking water distribution systems across Canada because there is no conclusive evidence that asbestos ingested through water harms your health. 

Health Risks of Asbestos:

It is well-documented that inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to respiratory damage, including lung cancer.  However, Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) have concluded that there is no consistent, convincing evidence asbestos ingested through water is harmful to your health – WHO.
Cutting into the A-C pipes poses the highest risk to the fibers entering the water system, as well as becoming airborne.  Our crews follow strict procedures to help reduce the amount of fibers released when they are working with the A-C pipes.  They must wear appropriate PPE to protect from inhaling the airborne fibers.

Going Forward:

Water utilities are committed to safely handling A-C pipes and the practical removal when opportunities present themselves.  Operators follow strict procedures for the the disposal of A-C pipes that reflect industry standards set by WorkSafeBC.

Related Content from External Sources:

Asbestos in drinking water – Canadian Government
Speaking Notes on Asbestos – Cement Water Pipes – CWWA

Annual Water Reports

Learn more about water treatment in the Village of Nakusp