WATER QUALITY ADVISORY
For Residents of the Grizzly Ridge Subdivision
Last updated: May 20, 2025
Dear Water Users,
Please be advised that a Water Quality Advisory is being issued for all users in the Grizzly Ridge subdivision due to increased turbidity levels in the water system. While current turbidity levels are slightly elevated and do not pose a health risk to the general public, some individuals may wish to take extra precautions.
Who Should Take Precautions:
- Individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses
- Children under 12 years of age
- Seniors over 65 years of age
- Anyone wishing to take additional safety measures
Recommended Precautions:
- Boil water for at least one (1) minute, then allow it to cool before use
- Alternatively, use a safe, alternate source of drinking water
Current Conditions:
- Normal turbidity levels from the Powder Basin source: 0.4 – 0.8 NTU
- Current levels in the Grizzly Ridge subdivision: 1.4 – 1.6 NTU
In accordance with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and the B.C. Drinking Water Protection Act, water users are notified when turbidity exceeds 1 NTU.
Turbidity Guidelines:
- Good (< 1 NTU): Water is considered safe to drink for all users
- Fair (1 – 5 NTU): Precautionary measures recommended for vulnerable individuals
- Poor (> 5 NTU): All users should boil water or use an alternate source
This advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Updates will be provided as conditions change.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact our main office at 250-491-6167.
Water Source Change Notice
Last updated: May 12, 2025
Starting May 13th, we’ll be switching our water source from Powder Basin to Rhonda Lake for the following areas:
- Ridge Day Lodge
- Snow Pines
- Monashee Ridge
- North
- Perfection Ridge
- Bears Paw
- Alpine Timbers
- Chateau on the Ridge
- Legacy
- Legend
Grizzly Ridge will stay on the Powder Basin source in order to maintain fire flows and sprinkler pressures.
What to expect:
This change may temporarily stir up sediment, causing discolored or cloudy water in some areas. Don’t worry—your water is still safe to drink and meets all health standards.
If your water appears discolored: Run your cold water tap for a few minutes. Thanks for your patience as we keep the system running safely and smoothly!
Hydrant Flushing Notice
Last updated: May 12, 2025
Starting this week, our crews will be out doing hydrant flushing and pressure testing around Big White Ski Resort. This is part of our regular system maintenance to ensure everything’s working properly and water stays safe.
You might notice:
- Discolored water
- Lower water pressure
If that happens, just run your cold water tap for a few minutes. Thanks for your patience while we keep your water system running strong!
We continuously monitor water quality to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Big White Water Utility Ltd
Notice to Customers: Water Quality Update
Last updated: February 5, 2025
As part of our ongoing watershed management efforts, the utility made adjustments to the water supply for specific areas of our community in November 2023, transitioning to the Powder Basin reservoir and treatment plant. As a result, some customers may notice slight changes in water characteristics.
Affected Areas:
The following properties are impacted by this adjustment:
- Ridge Day Lodge
- Snow Pines
- Monashee Ridge
- Grizzly Ridge
- North
- Perfection Ridge
- Bears Paw
- Alpine Timbers
- Chateau on the Ridge
- Legacy
- Legend
What to Expect:
Customers in these areas may observe a subtle difference in water appearance, particularly in white bathtubs, as well as an increased need to replace filters in appliances such as hot tubs and refrigerators. This is due to slightly higher levels of True Color Units (TCU) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which are naturally occurring minerals and organic compounds. While these factors may affect water clarity and filter maintenance, the water remains safe to use and fully compliant with all health and regulatory standards.
We continuously monitor water quality to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Big White Water Utility Ltd
March 14, 2025 – Water Tariff 5 (new May 2025)
March 14, 2025 – Water Utility Application Notice (March 2025)
March 14, 2025 – Water Utility Rate Application (March 2025)
September 26, 2023 – Big White Village Water Storage Reservoir Expansion
September 27, 2023 – 2024 Wastewater Tariff Update – NOTICE
August 8, 2023 – Low Water Advisory and Voluntary Water Conservation Request