Water, Sewer, Solid Waste

Water, Sewer, Solid Waste

Water

The District of Elkford operates a Class II Water Distribution System with a mandate to provide the residents of Elkford with safe, potable drinking water. To this end, water samples are taken from the three wells and five other locations on a bi-weekly basis. The samples are couriered to the BC Centre for Disease Control for testing. There is a water analysis completed yearly, Analytical Water Report Summary

Elkford's water won a bronze medal for the best tasting water at the 2006 Berkeley Springs Competition.

Water is supplied from a system of 3 wells and chlorinated at the source. Chlorine residuals are monitored at numerous locations throughout the community. A separate system supplies the Industrial Park.

Procedure for Water On/Off
If you require the water shut off or turned on to your residence, a request is to be made at the District Office. The fee for this service is $33.60 + HST included, to be paid in advance.

The location and condition of the curb stop is the property owner's responsibility as per Bylaw 428. A copy of the water service card, indicating the position of your curb stop, can be obtained from either the District Office or Public Works.

Water Conservation Policy
Residents are asked to comply with the Water Conservation Policy, which regulates watering to between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Frozen Water Service Policy
Elkford has areas in the District, where water lines may freeze. Residents are requested to adhere to the timelines listed in the policy.

Sewer

The District of Elkford operates a Class 1 Sewer Facility. Everything flushed down your toilet or poured down your drains ends up in the sewer lagoons. The first three cells of the lagoons are clay lined. The fourth and fifth cells are designed to allow the water that reaches them to infiltrate into the ground. Although located near the Elk River the District of Elkford does not discharge effluent into the river.

As part of the going green inititative, the District of Elkford recently purchased Solar Bees to aerate the lagoons with a minimum amount of electrical power. The aeration process speeds up the breakdown of solids within the lagoons.


Sewer Line to Your Home:
Should you experience a problem with the sewer line between your home and the sewer mains, the onus is on the property owner to clear the blockage. To assist with this process, there is a 100 foot sewer snake available to sign out from the Recreation Centre at no charge during regular building hours.

If unable to clear the blockage on your own or with the assistance of a plumber, please notify the Public Works Department.

The Public Works Department has an electric eel to clear blockages and a sewer camera to inspect the sewer lines for damage. Should you require the assistance of the Public Works Department, a custom work hourly fee would be charged to the property owner.

The biggest cause of blocked sewers is cooking grease being dumped down the kitchen sink.

Solid Waste

Elkford Transfer Station
Elkford Transfer Station, located at #6 Inkaneed Road, is owned & operated by the Regional District of East Kootenay.
Transfer Station Telephone: 250.865.4644

Elkford Transfer Station Hours of Operation:

April to September:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Sunday and all Statutory Holidays

October to March:
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Monday, Wednesday, Sunday and all Statutory Holidays

The District of Elkford accepts the following materials in the yellow recycling bins:
•mixed paper
•cardboard (flattened to conserve bin space)
•aluminum/tin cans
•plastic milk jugs - remove caps, rinse and flatten
•glass recycling in a separate bin provided

Recycling Bins are provided at the Transfer Station and at the intersection of Water Street and Camp Road behind the white fencing. All residents are encouraged to take advantage of the recycling opportunities to reduce tonnage at the Transfer Station. All users are asked to put your recyclables in the bins to keep the area tidy. Do not leave trash or recyclables outside of the bins.

Used Oil: Used oil and antifreeze can be taken to the Public Works Yard, Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In 2006, the District of Elkford become one of the first local government authorities in eastern British Columbia to implement an automated system of waste removal, saving the District on insurance costs and improving on productivity.

Residential Solid Waste Collection
Residential solid waste is collected every Thursday from the curb. All waste must be placed in the District supplied, residential container and placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Only solid waste placed in District approved and supplied containers will be collected. All waste must be bagged before being deposited into the carts.

Commercial Solid Waste Collection
Commercial waste is collected on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that the District collection vehicle is able to access the containers. Containers found to be inaccessible or situated in an unsafe manner will not be collected

Compost
Black compost bins have been placed in several loctions througout the community. These containers are designed for grass clippings only. Branches and other yard waste can be taken to the Transfer Station, free of charge. The District of Elkford is investigating the possibility of implementing a compost faciltiy within Elkford.