Utilities
Shuswap Lake Utilities provides potable water to Shuswap Lake Estates & surrounding area of the community of Blind Bay. Shuswap Lake Utilities draws raw water from the Blind Bay basin portion of Shuswap Lake and treats this water in accordance with the guidelines and conditions of the Provincial Drinking Water Act and related regulations put in place by the Regional District Health Authority including permits and licensing requirements. This activity is monitored by the Interior Health Authority’s Drinking Water Officer.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
- Aron Thurlow 403-618-6632
- Erik Hansen 250-463-1910
Shuswap Lake Estates Water Restrictions
To maintain consistency throughout the area, Shuswap Lake Estates has adopted the same outdoor water restrictions as the CSRD.
We are at STAGE 1 restrictions at this time. These restrictions will be enforced and fines will be levied against repeat offenders in accordance with our water tariff.
It is important to adhere to water restrictions to ensure adequate volume is maintained in our reservoirs for fire fighting needs. Water demand in the spring and summer months is up to 6 times greater than during winter months.
Water conservation measures are encouraged such as xeriscape landscaping, collecting rainwater and snow melt using barrels and fixing any leaky faucets, toilets or irrigation systems.
| Water Use Schedule | 3 Days/Week | 2 Days/Week | 1 Day/Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odd numbered address | Tues, Thurs, Sat | Tues, Sat | Saturday |
| Even numbered address | Wed, Fri, Sun | Wed, Sun | Sunday |
Water-use restrictions permit outdoor use on designated days of the week depending on the number of your street address, as follows:
On designated days, water use is permitted for a MAXIMUM of 3 HOURS as follows:
- No irrigation between 10AM and 6PM to minimize evaporation.
- Preferred time for automatic systems is between 12 AM and 6 AM to reduce peak demand.
- Avoid watering food producing plants between the hours of 10AM and 6 PM to minimize evaporation.
Water use for non-irrigation purposes is discretionary and can be done when required, per the chart here. Please minimize frequency and conserve water wherever possible.
Go Green!
Get your utility bills by email
Signing up is simple, just email your name and customer number to office@shuswaplakeestates.com.
Once registered, you’ll begin receiving your quarterly utility bills directly to your
inbox. Residents who do not sign up for email billing will continue to receive a paper copy
of their bill.
For more information, please contact office@shuswaplakeestates.com or call 250-675-2523.
SLE Sewer System
Expected rate increase
SLE Sewer Rates will be increasing due to the increased cost of regulatory approvals from the Ministry of Environment. While the amount of the increase has not been finalized, it is anticipated to be in the range of $5/month per standard household and is anticipated to take effect for the February 1 to April 30, 2027 billing period.
We will make every effort to keep cost increases to a minimum. We have not increased sewer rates since May, 2024.
Water System Overview
Shuswap Lake Estates has a robust system of pumps, treatment facilities and storage reservoirs, including sufficient storage to be used in the case of emergencies such as fire fighting. These systems are operated by trained and licensed personnel.
Sewage Treatment
Sewer Treatment at Shuswap Lake Estates: Shuswap Lake Estates has a modern sub-surface aerated lagoon wastewater treatment facility. It consists of 3 lagoons all supplied with pressurized air; Lagoon 1 is a smaller pre-treatment lagoon designed to breakup the solids, and Lagoons 2 & 3 are larger lagoons which are further baffled for increased compartmentalization and efficiency and finally a fourth man made large storage pond.