About the System
The Highland-Fernwood Water System is located on the north east shore of St. Mary Lake on the north side of Salt Spring Island and provides drinking water to approximately 321 service connections.
CRD's Infrastructure & Water Services is responsible for the overall operation of the water system. The design and construction of water system facilities are overseen by CRD's Infrastructure Engineering & Planning division. A contractor conducts the day-to-day operations and maintenance. The quality of drinking water provided to customers in the Highland-Fernwood Water System is overseen by CRD's Water Quality division.
Water Restrictions
Current Conservation Stage: No Restrictions
Every drop counts! Visit our resource page for more ways to use water wisely.
Water Conservation Bylaw 4492
The Electoral Area Water Conservation Bylaw (4492) is in effect May 1 to September 30, unless otherwise authorized by the General Manager of Infrastructure & Water Services.
Lawn Watering Schedule:
- Stage 1 - Watering only permitted once per week between the hours of 4-10am or 7-10pm
- Stage 2 - Watering only permitted once every two weeks between the hours of 4-10am or 7-10pm
- Stage 3 - Watering not permitted
Source Water
The Highland-Fernwood Water System obtains its drinking water from St. Mary Lake, a small surface water body that lies within a 650 hectare, uncontrolled watershed near the northern end of Salt Spring Island. While the lake is used for recreational purposes, only electric boat motors are allowed. During the warm months of the year, North Salt Spring Waterworks operates two large aerators in the middle of the lake. These aerators provide oxygen to the bottom layers of the lake.
Water Treatment Process
The Highland-Fernwood system was upgraded in 2012 to include one centralized treatment plant consisting of:
- Dissolved air flotation
- Filtration
- Disinfection with ultra violet (UV) light
- Chlorine (liquid sodium hypochlorite) disinfection.
Distribution System
Treated water is pumped to the storage tanks within the Highland-Fernwood system and distributed to customers through a network of mostly 100mm (4“) water mains. The distribution system also contains hydrants and standpipes. Service connections are provided to the property line with curb stops and individual household meters. Service from the property line to the dwelling is the homeowners’ responsibility.
Emergency Notifications
Register for the Public Alert Notification System to receive drinking water related notifications such as boil water advisories. This system is also used to notify Electoral Area residents in the event of a disaster or emergency such as earthquakes, tsunami warnings, or hazardous spills.
Contact Us
General Water Inquiries
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday to Friday
Phone: 250.474.9600
Toll Free: 1.800.663.4425
water@crd.bc.ca
After Hours Drinking Water Emergencies
Monday to Friday after 4:30 PM, weekends and stat holidays
Phone: 250.474.9630
Toll Free: 1.855.822.4426
Sewer & Waste Water Inquiries & Emergencies
24/7 Service
Phone: 250.940.7400
