Big leak cuts water supply at Big White

BIG WHITE – A major leak caused by someone illegally hooking up to the water supply caused a temporary loss of water service at Big White Ski Resort earlier today, Feb. 22.

Big White president Michael J. Ballingall confirmed an alarm at the resort’s water and sewage utility went off in the middle of the night, alerting staff to the presence of a major leak.

Ballingall said the alarm couldn’t pinpoint the source of the leak, setting off a frantic search by employees and mountain residents who were alerted through social media and urged to immediately cut consumption.

A woman walking her dog later found the leak, which was quickly repaired, Ballingal said.

“The system is back to normal. But we’ve got a beautiful luge course up here now,” he lamented.

Ballingall said the loss of pressure to the system affected the entire resort, which has over 16,000 beds and is currently operating at 92 per cent occupancy.

“It was leaking 30 liters a second,” he added, putting a significant dent in the level of Rhonda Lake, the mountain’s water reservoir.

“That’s our only real concern because it’s cold up here and nothing is melting,” he added. “Water is a precious commodity up here.”

Ballingall said the resort is looking into the source of the illegal tap into one of the mountain’s commercial water lines.

“I mean who hooks up illegally to water,” he said, promising further action if liability could be proven.

Big White Ski Resort is 55 kilometres east of Kelowna.

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