Sewer Utility
Shuswap Sanitation Inc. treats wastewater from homes and businesses within Shuswap Lake Estates through an aerated lagoon system.
Flat rate
$105.00
plus GST, per quarter, per single family residential equivalent (SFRE)
Full rate schedule- Billed
- Quarterlydue 30 days from the date issued, same as water
- Office
- 250.675.2523Billing and service
How Your Sewer System Works
Shuswap Lake Estates transitioned from individual septic systems in the mid‑1990s to a modern, centralized sewer treatment facility designed to support ongoing community growth. The treatment system consists of aerated lagoons, blowers, air diffusers, a treated effluent holding pond, and a chlorine contact chamber. Our system is uniquely engineered with no discharge to any receiving water body as treated effluent is primarily managed through evaporation, eliminating direct nutrient loading into the environment and protecting Shuswap Lake.
Today, the sewer treatment system services Fairway Greens, the Highlands, the commercial district, and all future development areas within Shuswap Lake Estates, providing reliable, environmentally responsible wastewater management for the community.
Rates
Like the water utility, sewer rates are charged per SFRE, a single-family residential equivalent, or one household's worth of use.
| Charge | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential or commercial flat rate | $105.00 + GST per quarter | Per SFRE |
| Additional unit, attached or detached | 0.5 SFRE | Suites, carriage homes, etc. |
| Availability of Service (Rent) Charge | $210.00 + GST per year | Vacant lots with a sewer Rent Charge registered on title |
| Late payment | $25.00 + GST | After 30 days, per overdue quarter |
| Returned cheque | $50.00 + GST |
Sewer bills are issued quarterly and are due 30 days from the date they're issued.
Upcoming change: An increase of roughly $5.00 per month for a standard household is expected for the February 1 to April 30, 2027 billing period. The increase covers rising regulatory approval costs from the Ministry of Environment. The exact amount isn't finalized yet, and we'll update this page as soon as it is. We will make every effort to keep cost increases to a minimum.
“Flushable” wipes are not flushable. They don't break down fast enough and clog pipes, pumps and the treatment system just like any other wipe. Put every wipe in the garbage.
No Wipes in the Pipes
Save our sewer system: only flush the three Ps, pee, poop and toilet paper. Even if wipes are labeled as flushable or disposable, they cannot be flushed as they do not break down rapidly enough. Wipes can clog sewer pipes and cause blockages in sewer treatment systems. No matter what the package says, do not flush these products:
- “Flushable” wipes
- Disinfecting and cleaning wipes
- Sanitary products
- Tissues
- Paper towels
- Napkins
- Cardboard and paper products
- Fabrics
Billing Enquiries & Bills by Email
Questions about a sewer charge, or want your sewer bill by email instead of mail? Send your name and address or lot/plan number to office@shuswaplakeestates.com and we'll switch your quarterly bills to your inbox. You can also call the office at 250.675.2523 and ask us to switch you over or to sign up for automatic withdrawals.
Sewer emergencies
Service Requests & Emergencies
Report a backup, an odour, or a manhole issue as soon as you notice it.
Submit a service request using our online form, or call during office hours.
New Connections
Connecting to the sewer system? The connection charge is $500.00 plus GST, which includes the inspection fee. It's paid when the connection is made. Any work connecting to or affecting the sewer system needs to go through one of our approved installers.
- Sewer connection
- $500.00plus GST, includes inspection
- Installer gets the sewer permit from our office before any work starts.
- Leave connections uncovered and request the inspection two days ahead.
- Not using an approved installer adds a $1,000.00 fee.
Once your connection passes inspection and you're accepted as a customer, the vacant lot Availability charge stops and a pro-rated refund is credited to your account.
Downloads:
FAQ
How much is the sewer rate?
The sewer rate is $105.00 plus GST per quarter per SFRE, or single-family residential equivalent, which is one household's worth of use. A vacant lot with a sewer Rent Charge registered on title pays a separate $210.00 plus GST a year Availability of Service charge instead.
Is the sewer rate going up?
Yes. An increase of roughly $5.00 a month for a standard household is expected to take effect for the February 1 to April 30, 2027 billing period. The exact figure for 2027 isn't finalized yet. It's driven by rising regulatory approval costs from the Ministry of Environment, and we'll update this page when the number is set.
How does the treatment system work?
Wastewater from homes and businesses is collected through an underground network of gravity sewer pipes and lift stations that safely transport sewage away from the community. This system directs all wastewater to our centralized sewer treatment plant, where it undergoes a controlled and environmentally responsible treatment process. The treatment facility consists of aerated lagoons, which use oxygen to support natural biological processes that break down and stabilize wastewater. After passing through the aeration stage, the treated effluent flows into a holding pond, where it is stored with evaporation being the primary disposal method, meaning there is no discharge to Shuswap Lake or any other receiving water body.
What should I avoid putting down the drain?
Only flush the three Ps: pee, poop and toilet paper. No matter what the package says, don't flush wipes (including “flushable” and disinfecting wipes), sanitary products, tissues, paper towels, napkins, cardboard and paper products, or fabrics. Keep grease out of the sink too. A backup is unpleasant for you and expensive for the whole system to clear. See the full list.
Who do I call about a backup or smell?
Call the SLE Office at 250.675.2523 as soon as you notice a backup, an odour or a manhole issue, rather than waiting to see if it clears on its own. You can also use the service request form on this page, or reach our after-hours emergency contact if it happens outside office hours.
Questions about your sewer account or a service issue?
Call 250.675.2523 or contact the office.