Island Health
1952 Bay Street Victoria, B.C. V8R 1J8 | Visit Official Website

Petes Lake Water Users Society WWS

15 Main and Weldon 2 Lasqueti Island, BC V0R 2J0

This facility was given a Moderate hazard rating. More info

Inspection Information

Facility Type

15 - 300 Connections

Inspection Type

Routine

Inspection Date

June 19, 2025

Number of critical violations

Number of non-critical violations

Violations:

A summary of the violations found during the inspection are listed below.

Code

Description

312

Critical Inadequate Treatment

Untreated surface water is being supplied to all connections. The current and historical bacteriological tests indicate there are pathogenic organisms in the source. There are significant challenges with implementing different forms of treatment and upgrades to the system, as mentioned above (power, space restraints and consistent pressure). Residents and land owners have sincere concerns of treatment technologies that may compromise forest ecology.

Corrective Actions: All water suppliers must provide potable water to all users they supply. Surface water sources must as a minimum, receive disinfection (DWPR, S. 5) to reduce the risks from viruses, protozoa and other potential pathogens that may contaminate drinking water. Treatment must meet objectives stated in "Drinking Water Treatment Objectives (Microbiological) for Surface Water Supplies in B.C." using a multi-barrier approach: • 4-log reduction or inactivation of viruses. • 3-log reduction or inactivation of Giardia and Cryptosporidium. • Two treatment processes for surface water. • No detectable E. Coli, fecal coliform and total coliform An updated assessment to suggest treatment methods that work around challenges is required if the Water Supplier intends to continue supplying drinking water to users. Included in this could be a survey of current uses of the water supply at each point of the distribution system - for example, whether the water is used for domestic drinking water or for irrigation and washing down equipment/boats only, whether users have an alternative source or Point of Use/Entry system that is routinely and privately maintained. The Permit Terms and Conditions could be reviewed after the assessment and survey.

319

Non-Critical Inadequate Chemical Analysis Data

Chemical water sample has not been submitted since April 2016. This is due every 5 years as a condition of the Operating Permit.

Corrective Actions: Please ensure to submit a full spectrum chemical and physical analysis as soon as possible. Details will be sent to the operator by email.

Comments

Pete's Lake WS is a surface water source (Hadley Lake), located on one parcel ID 004-009-053. This parcel includes the lake, the creek, residences, the Recycling Depot and the Fire Hall. The lake is mostly surrounded by forest apart from Main Road running adjacent to half of the lake on the south side. The southwest corner has a 50m section that exposes gravel and dust from Main Road to the lake, but this is downstream from the intake and unlikely to affect water quality. The lake is visited by animals: migratory geese, beavers, deer and feral sheep. The submerged intake sits in the middle of the lake at 23-25ft below the surface and is held afloat by a raft, visible from the shore. The operator said that a diver has inspected the intake in 2024. There is a thermocline at 13-15ft below the surface. The water levels are monitored on a regular basis during the summer and water restrictions are communicated to the users. There is a measuring pole, visible from the shore, for monitoring water levels. Annual maintenance includes back pumping through the lines to the lake for sludge removal. Operator says that users are informed when this happens in case of water shut off or turbidity. From the intake, water is pumped into the lines to the manifold located on the south side across Main Road. The system is gravity fed from here, with ability to release/pump out some water down to the gully below. The operator informed that some end users down at the dock and some residences are able to have between 50-70psi but the pressure is inconsistent. There is no available power at this time for the system. There is no clearing of trees at this time to construct or install a centralized treatment system or system for power generation. From the manifold, there are 4 branches: 2 to the islands, 2 down either side of the road. There are currently 52 connections that service approximately 60 residents. The connections include a restaurant, a fire hall, the health centre, the recycling depot, art center, several small businesses, and residential bed and breakfasts. Boil Water Notice continues to be in effect for all users. Start date of the advisory was in April 1994. Some users (e.g. restaurant and health centre) have point of entry systems; these are not maintained by the Society. These users continue to be intermittently on Boil Water Notice depending on their bacteriological water sample results. Emergency response plan is on file. As a part of this plan, the Society meets annually with users and informs all users in writing about the water quality and Boil Water Notice. Users are required to inform their guests. Additional non-potable water stickers are on public outlets throughout the system. The Society does maintain an asset management plan with a reserved contingency fund. Bacteriological water samples are required and are submitted monthly, samples are up to date. There are noted challenges taking the sample on the ferry and to the Oceanside Health Centre on time. Samples in spring months (February, March, April, May 2025) showed between 8-144 Total Coliform and 1-2 E.coli. The Annual Report for 2024 is now due. Template will be available by email as needed.

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