(Image Credit: Columbia Shuswap Regional District)
Cedar Heights water treatment

CSRD to begin upgrades on Cedar Heights water treatment facility

May 2, 2026 | 2:31 PM

SORRENTO, B.C. — Stage 4 water restrictions will be implemented for the Cedar Heights water system starting Monday (May 4) as the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) begins upgrades on the UV water treatment facility.

“The existing UV treatment system has reached the end of its service life, and replacement parts are no longer manufactured,” said CSRD officials.

“To ensure continued safe drinking water into the future, the old UV water disinfection system and associated piping will be removed and replaced with new UV equipment.”

Work will begin on Wednesday (May 6) and continue until Friday (May 8), but residents are urged to prepare ahead of time as the reservoir cannot be refilled while work is underway.

Residents will still have access to water services, but the amount will be very limited, so the system will be placed on Stage 4 restrictions starting Monday (May 4) to conserve water.

These restrictions will mean:

• No watering of lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers.

• No washing vehicles or driveways.

• Residents are asked to use water for essential purposes only and reduce water use as much as possible.

The CSRD recommends storing additional water in containers before Monday (May 4) for daily plant care or other personal uses.

The restrictions will remain in place until the upgrades are complete and the reservoir can be refilled.

Additionally, the current Water Quality Advisory will be upgraded to a Boil Water Notice beginning Wednesday (May 6) once the CSRD takes the UV treatment system offline. This will apply to all users of the Cedar Heights water system.

All water used for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth, or washing dishes must be boiled for at least one minute. Residents can also choose a safe alternate water source, such as bottled water.

The CSRD says the Boil Water Notice will remain in effect until the new UV treatment system is online, tested and samples confirm that tap water is safe to consume again, which could take some time.

“The UV testing and water sampling process is expected to take several weeks following installation. Please continue to take precautions until the Boil Water Notice is removed by the CSRD,” said CSRD officials.

“Further updates will be provided as work progresses. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding while this critical water infrastructure upgrade is completed.”