We are commonly asked where The Cottage at Cultus Lake gets its drinking water from? Because its an interesting topic that fascinates most we’d like to share the answer with everybody.
Our drinking water comes from an extensive aquifer below the central part of the Columbia Valley, which extends from Cultus Lake to beyond the Canada/U.S. border, stretching 8.7 km2. It is at least 50 m in thickness and about 1000 m in width and is approximately 110 feet below the earth’s surface.
Known as The Columbia Valley Aquifer, it has been studied by a number agencies, more recently by the Ministry of Environment which has characterized the aquifer as a large, deep, fast moving body of water with good drainage in the Columbia Valley region holding an estimated 130.5 billion litres of groundwater! It is primarily recharged from rainfall and snow melt as well as water from springs, creeks and streams which add approximately 26 billion litres of water into the aquifer each year.
What is most fascinating is the amount of groundwater withdrawal, which is estimated at only 0.15 billion litres/year. In summary, the aquifer is used very little by residents; only 0.6% of the actual water is used
A unique water distribution system has been designed specifically for The Cottage community. Groundwater from the aquifer is collected in a holding reservoir and gravity fed to the community when needed. The water is not chlorinated, and therefore, we enjoy clean and clear drinking water that tastes amazing! Come out and see for yourself – have a glass on us.