Drinking water in the region comes from a variety of sources: CRD-operated water systems, local Improvement Districts and private water systems.
CRD-Operated Systems
CRD Integrated Water Services is responsible for the overall operation of the following water systems. The CRD Infrastructure Engineering and Operations Division provides and/or oversees the operation, design and construction of water system facilities. The CRD Water Quality Division oversees the quality of drinking water.
The Beddis Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on Salt Spring Island.
The Cedar Lane Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on Salt Spring Island.
The Cedars of Tuam Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on Salt Spring Island.
The Fulford Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on Salt Spring Island.
The Highland-Fernwood Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on Salt Spring Island.
The Juan de Fuca Water Distribution System provides drinking water to Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, View Royal, Sooke and parts of East Sooke.
The Lyall Harbour / Boot Cove Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on Saturna Island.
The Magic Lake Estates Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on North Pender Island.
The Port Renfrew Water System provides drinking water to part of the Town of Port Renfrew known as Beach Camp and Snuggery Cove.
The Regional Water Supply Service is the bulk (wholesale) water supplier for 4 municipalities: Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Saanich and Victoria.
The Saanich Peninsula Water Distribution System provides drinking water to Central Saanich, Sidney and North Saanich.
The Skana Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on Mayne Island.
The Sticks Allison Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on Galiano Island.
The Surfside Park Estates Water System provides drinking water to a small Water Service Area on Mayne Island.
The Wilderness Mountain Water System provides drinking water to a small, residential Water Service Area near the top of Mount Matheson in East Sooke.
Improvement Districts
Improvement Districts are small water systems operated on an individual basis by primarily volunteer run organizations. These organizations were established by the Province of BC and empowered to carry out the necessary administration and operation of the water system. The systems are tested regularly by Island Health and may be subject to further testing by the improvement district operator.
To contact your Improvement District, check your water bill for contact information. If you don't have access to a bill, talk to your neighbour. You may also contact the Province of BC:
Private Water Systems
If you have a private well, maintenance and water testing is your responsibility.
Problems with your well system should be referred to one of the many groundwater drilling contractors listed in the yellow pages.