Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has approved the Regional Water Supply 2022 Master Plan. The Plan was approved by the Regional Water Supply Commission in July and will guide a proposed infrastructure program 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. Recommendations will continue to be reassessed, on a five-to-10-year cycle, to consider new information and latest trends and each project will require CRD Board budget approval.

“This plan outlines our vision to ensure continued delivery of high quality, clean, and sustainable drinking water for the next 30 years, a significant asset for our region,” said CRD Board Chair Colin Plant.

“Through responsible stewardship and efficient management, our region can rely on an adequate supply of clean drinking water. I would like to acknowledge the work of staff, and the input of the members of the Regional Water Supply Commission on this important infrastructure planning which will ensure a resilient water supply for years to come,” said Lillian Szpak, Chair of the Regional Water Supply Commission.

Feedback received from public engagement will be used to guide how the plan is implemented over time, with further engagement carried out as each project is designed and implemented. Engagement with First Nations will be ongoing, with a focus on projects located in or near traditional territories and areas of cultural significance.

The plan advances the commitments, strategic priorities and actions adopted in the 2017 Regional Water Supply Strategic Plan, recommending 21 major projects valued at approximately $2 billion to meet anticipated water supply and treatment needs.

Some of the Master Plan’s proposed projects include:

• A direct filtration plant located upstream of the Goldstream Disinfection Facility to better protect the Regional Water Supply from potential raw water quality fluctuations due to climate change, forest fires and the eventual integration of water from the Leech and Goldstream Water Supply Areas
• A second deep intake in the north basin of Sooke Lake Reservoir
• A piped connection between Goldstream Lake Reservoir and the new Treatment Plant to improve the water quality of the secondary water supply for use during emergencies
• Diversion of the Leech River water through the existing Leech Tunnel to Deception Gulch Reservoir and Sooke Lake Reservoir, to supplement water supply
• Transmission system improvements including new balancing storage at Smith Hill in the City of Victoria

For more information on the Regional Water Supply 2022 Master Plan, visit the CRD website.

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:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492