Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.
Utilities
Water services.
Sourced from Arrow Lake, treated and disinfected, delivered through 1,350 mm of mainline by Civic Works. What it costs, how to read your bill, and what to do when something is off.
Where the water comes from
Castlegar's drinking water is drawn from Arrow Lake, a high-quality source the city has used for decades. The water travels through a 1,350 mm diameter watermain to a treatment facility, where it is disinfected using ultra-violet (UV) light before being distributed.
The City also maintains a backup groundwater source called the North Well. The North Well is brought online during emergencies or while the primary system is being tested. When that happens, the City issues a precautionary Water Quality Advisory, even though the water is generally safe to drink.
Water quality
The City publishes Annual Water Quality Reports documenting operations, testing, and maintenance of the drinking water system. Castlegar's water meets or exceeds provincial and federal drinking water standards.
If a Water Quality Advisory is in effect, the City posts it on the homepage, sends notifications through Voyent Alert, and updates the regional advisory map.
Good to know
Water Quality Advisory vs Boil Water Notice
A Water Quality Advisory is a precaution. The water is generally safe for most people. A Boil Water Notice is more serious and requires you to boil all drinking and cooking water for one full minute. The City uses the lower-tier advisory whenever possible to avoid disrupting daily life.
Water meters and billing
All properties within the City of Castlegar are metered. Meters are read quarterly, and the consumption charge appears on your utility bill. The City owns and replaces the meter itself.
The easiest way to pay your utility bill is by setting up the Pre-Authorized Utility Payment Plan, which withdraws the amount automatically each quarter. You can also pay online using OptionPay (Visa or Mastercard).
New connections
If you are building a new home or commercial property inside city limits, the City installs water service connections from the main to your property line. You apply for water, sewer, and storm service through Civic Works.
Sprinkling restrictions
Summer sprinkling restrictions help manage demand on the water system during the hottest months. Specific times and schedule details are published each spring on castlegar.ca. Check the current schedule before watering.
Tip
Save water without thinking about it
Water early in the morning or late in the evening so less of it evaporates. Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads. Fix the running toilet you have been meaning to fix, that is the single biggest household water waster.
Common questions
Where does Castlegar's drinking water come from?
Arrow Lake. The water travels through a 1,350 mm watermain to a UV (ultra-violet) treatment facility, then out to homes and businesses. The North Well is the backup source.
Why does my water sometimes smell or taste like chlorine?
Quick fix: run the cold tap for 30 seconds, or fill a pitcher and let it sit uncovered in the fridge for a few hours. The smell fades. Small amounts of chlorine are used to keep the water safe between the treatment plant and your tap, that’s what you’re smelling.
How often is the water tested?
The City publishes Annual Water Quality Reports. Day-to-day testing happens routinely. If something is off, an advisory is issued through the homepage and Voyent Alert.
What is a Water Quality Advisory?
A precaution. The water is safe for most people, but those with weakened immune systems, infants, the elderly, or anyone who wants extra caution may want to boil the water for one minute before drinking. It is not the same as a Boil Water Notice.
How do I report a leak or water emergency?
Call Civic Works at 250-365-5979 during business hours, or submit it through the Request Hub. For a life-safety emergency, call 9-1-1.
How are my utility bills calculated?
Bills go out quarterly based on your meter reading. The consumption charge plus a base service charge appears on the bill. Sign up for the Pre-Authorized Utility Payment Plan if you would rather not write a cheque every three months.
I'm building a new home. How do I get water hooked up?
Apply for a water, sewer, and storm service connection through Civic Works. They install from the City main to your property line.
What to do next
Report a leak or water issue
Submit a request and we will route it to Civic Works.
Pay your utility bill
Online via OptionPay or set up automatic payment.
Apply for a water connection
For new construction inside city limits.
Active alerts and advisories
Check whether any water advisory is currently in effect.
Still need help?
Talk to Civic Works
- Phone
- 250-365-5979
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- In person
- City Hall, 460 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, BC
Submit a request online
Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.