Water
Water for the Village of Burns Lake is derived from 3 deep wells located on Gerow Island. Water is pumped to the high lift station, where it is chlorinated, biologically treated for manganese, and then pumped to three towers, two on 5th Avenue and one on Woyenne Reserve. From the 5th Avenue tower, water is boosted in pressure and travels to the ends of the avenues and streets above Carroll Street. The rest of the water is gravity-fed from the towers, downhill to the main streets.
On average, Burns Lake pumps 1100 cubic meters of water per day, and this amount significantly spikes in summer due to lawn watering.
In 2020, construction began on Burns Lake’s first water treatment plant. This project would not have been possible without the financial collaboration between the Village of Burns Lake, Lake Babine Nation, Burns Lake Band and the provincial and federal governments.
Summer Watering
Fresh, clean water is a precious commodity and the Village of Burns Lake wants to conserve it. Water Restrictions are enforced within the Village of Burns Lake between May 15 and September 15. The use of large quantities of water for lawn, garden, vehicle washing and other domestic purposes only is permitted daily between 7 am and 11 am according to the following schedule:
- Residents whose homes have odd house numbers will be permitted to water on
odd-numbered days. - Even-numbered houses may water on even-numbered days.
- Light hand watering is permitted at any time for new lawns, flowers and gardens.
For more information, please contact the Village Office at 250 692-7587.
Storm Water
Storm water is collected through a series of open ditches and culverts. Storm water flows into storm pipes and manholes on Highway 16 and is eventually dispersed through an open ditch system.
Sewer
Sewer is collected through underground pipes and centralized in manholes before flowing to the lift station, where it is pumped through two lines into the Burns Lake lagoons. The retention time is approximately eight days, unless there is significant extra flow due to infiltration.
Infiltration is typically caused when homes improperly connect drains or sump pumps to the sewer system, which is a violation of the Village’s sewer bylaw. Snowmelt and runoff can also infiltrate through manholes and access points, leading to a substantial increase in flow to the lagoons during spring thaw. This additional flow raises the cost of treatment and puts extra strain on the system.
The Lagoon Upgrades Project, valued at $7.5 million, is funded by the Federal and Provincial Governments, Lake Babine Nation (LBN), Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation (TKK), and the Village of Burns Lake (VBL). Once completed in late 2026, the new system will feature improved energy efficiency, advanced aeration, and UV (ultraviolet light) disinfection for effluent treatment. This modernized process will reduce the need for chemicals before discharge into Burns Lake, resulting in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly wastewater system.
When do I get my Utility bill?
Local levels of government provide water, sewer, and garbage services. Utility billing is prepared by the Finance Department and sent out in April.