TO SERVE YOU BETTER, WE'VE ASSEMBLED SOME OF OUR CUSTOMERS' MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTONS AND WILL CONTINUE TO ADD TO THIS LIST. IF YOU DON'T FIND YOUR ANSWER HERE, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US.
MAP
To view the North and South Systems, select 'Forms & Reports' tab and scroll to Map, then click on the blue link.
Why do I sometime hear sounds like a freight train or hammering in my water lines inside my house?
This can be caused by an additional well pump kicking in to alleviate current water demand resulting in water rushing thru the pipe lines - a common occurence during the irrigation season.
There is nothing SION Imrpovement District itself can do to eliminate this 'noise' problem but one possible solution the homeowner can do is to install a water hammer arrestor where the water line enters your home.
Here is a video that explains how this can work for you.
What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?
Check your surrounding area for possible leaks. Next, call our office and report low pressure for your area.
Why is my water discolored?
A repair could have been completed recently allowing air to enter the line, causing the discoloration.
What chemicals does our water system add to the water?
Our water system is supplied by six deep wells and therefore do not need to chemicals.
Should this become a necessity in the future then only chemicals that are approved by the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality will be used for treatment of drinking water.
Why does debris come out of the faucet when running hot water?
Most likely your water heater needs to be flushed. CAUTION: Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional to flush your water heater. If you plan on doing this yourself, read the owner's manual to keep from being hurt and or damaging the water heater.
What do you use the Domestic Toll money for?
Monies collected from our Domestic Tolls are used to fund SION's annual operating expenses.
What do you use the Annual Irrigation Tax money for?
These Irrigation Tax monies are used partly for operating costs, to pay down long term debt on capital projects with the excess held in reserve for new projects and improvements.
I have a lot in the SION Improvement District but I do not have water service. Why do I have to pay the annual Irrigation Tax if I don't have water service?
SION Improvement District was formed in 1963 and the district boundaries were formed at that time and expanded later. Your property was included at some point and the owner at that time had to pay the Capital Expenditure Charge (CEC) in order to be included. For some reason the land owner decided not to complete the process by connecting a service to the curbstop. Once the CEC has been paid then the land is part of the SION district and subject to the Irrigation Tax as the lot is now ready to be connnected upon payment of the applicable Connection Charge fee.
I have a lot in the SION Improvement District but do not pay for Domestic Toll or the Annual Irrigation Tax because I have a well to supply my water. What is required to obtain water service from SION Improvmeent District?
There are some properties within the SION district boundaries that had an existing well and opted to not join therefore were not entitled to SION's water service. To have access to SION's water service and become part of SION Improvement District the landowner must pay the current Capital Expenditure Charge (CEC), install the water lines on their property at thier own expense, and pay the current Connection Charge fee.
Can I opt out of SION Improvement District?
No - the provincial government considers all lots within our district boundaries who have paid the Capital Expenditure Charge as part of our improvement district.
Is there any value to being part of the SION Improvement District?
Yes, especially if you plan to sell your property. A prospective owner will find assurance that water is available along with quality of water benefiting from trained staff, meeting current standards and using current technology. The Capital Expenditure Charge (CEC) has already been paid and while the service line may not have been put in place yet the curbstop is in place waiting to be connected.
Why does our Domestic Toll and Irrigation Tax increase every year?
We need to meet our annual operating costs and these costs have increased with inflation. We also need to replace old worn out facilities and infrastructure and continue to improve the safety and reliability of your water supply.
The Domestic Tolls and Irrigation Taxes will help us to finance, operate and maintain existing infrastructure along with replacement and improvement projects thus enabling us to plan for the future for a sustainable water supply.
How is SION Improvement District governed?
All Improvement Districts within British Columbia are regulated by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Guidelines are set out in their Improvement District Manual which is governed by Part 23 of BC's Local Government Act and BC's Community Charter.
Who can be a trustee, how many are there and how long do they serve?
To be eligible to be nominated and elected as a trustee you must be a Canadian Citizen, a resident of British Columbia for the prior six months, 18 years of age or older, an owner of land in the SION Improvement District, and entitled to be registered as a voter under the Election Act.
SION Improvement District is served by five (5) trustees as set forth in the Letters Patent. Each trustee serves for a three (3) year term. The terms are staggered with one or two terms ending each year to provide continuity. They are elected at the Annual General Meeting each year by the attendees.
