Regional Water Improvement Project

In 2013, the ACRD Board of Directors adopted the Regional Water Improvement Project an investment of $2.2 million in capital improvements across the regions rural and remote water systems. The $ 2.2 million project utilizes the Regional District's gas tax revenues, provided by the federal government, to realize improvements to protect water quality and infrastructure. The project illustrates the Boards commitment to clean water throughout the region.

The projects are spread across the Regional District benefiting the West Coast and Alberni Valley. Works commenced in 2013 and will be completed over the next three years. An outline of the projects is as follows:

- A total expenditure of $121,000 has been allocated for the interconnection of the Millstream Water System with the District of Ucluelet for an emergency backup supply. The project includes water main upgrades within the distribution system. The design is complete and approvals are almost in place before the project proceeds to tender. Work should commence this spring.

- A contribution of $250,000 is allocated for well development and water effluent treatment for the Long Beach Airport Water System. This project follows an in depth exploratory drilling program. Consultation is occurring with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations (one of the communities benefitting from the water supply) - in advance of well development early this fall.

- $455,000 will improve water quality for the Bamfield Water System. Changes are being made within the distribution system to reduce the production of THM's, a chlorine byproduct, and preparations are being made to design and test the best alternative for source water treatment. The ACRD will continue to consult with the Bamfield water committee on this project.

- The regional district has contributed a total of $1.5 million for the Beaver Creek Water system for a new Kitsuksis reservoir, the replacement of the Strick Road watermain and the installation of the Strick Road pump station between the system and the City's waterworks. With the city installing uv protection on their water supply Beaver Creek is close to satisfying the water treatment requirements for Island Health.

- A commitment of $385,000 was made for the Cherry Creek Water system to replace their aging watermains. Engineering design is proceeding with construction anticipated this summer.