Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) Regional Water Supply Commission has released the 2022 Master Plan that includes a proposed infrastructure program to improve the water supply and transmission system and add redundancy to critical components to address hazards and risks. The Plan recommends projects to be implemented over the next 30 years based on the projected population, the impacts of climate change, water treatment requirements resulting from changing raw water quality characteristics and regulatory requirements.
“The 2022 Master Plan builds on previous system infrastructure investments, which have been largely focused on securing supply, and takes a forward-looking approach to create a resilient water supply system that will serve Greater Victoria for the next 30 years,” says Lillian Szpak, Chair of the Regional Water Supply Commission and City of Langford Councillor.
The plan advances the commitments, strategic priorities and actions adopted in the 2017 Regional Water Supply Strategic Plan, recommending 21 major projects to meet anticipated water supply and treatment needs based on projected population for the year 2050. The recommendations also consider climate change impacts on water supply and demand, anticipated changes in raw water characteristics and regulatory requirements. Modeling indicates that by 2045 additional water will need to be sourced from the deep northern basin of Sooke Lake Reservoir and the Leech River water supply catchment area. The recommended projects will require significant investment over a 30-year period, approximately $2 billion, to be paid for through water rates with the potential for grant funding.
The plan is available for public review and comment until July 6, 2022 at getinvolved.crd.bc.ca/2022-regional-water-supply-master-plan.
Feedback collected will be presented to the Regional Water Supply Commission and will be used to guide how the plan is implemented over time, with further engagement carried out as each project is designed and implemented.
About the Regional Water Supply System
The CRD Regional Water Supply System delivers safe and sustainable drinking water to more than 400,000 people living in Greater Victoria. This work includes protecting the source, disinfecting the water and monitoring water quality, operating and maintaining transmission and distribution systems and investing in infrastructure renewal. The Regional Water Supply Service delivers water to customers situated in 13 local municipalities, 8 First Nations and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area through a mix of sub-regional and local distribution systems.
Learn more: Greater Victoria Water Supply System: An Overview (Video)
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Ted Robbins, General Manager
Integrated Water Services
Tel: 250.360.3061
Cell: 250.217.9084