Tap water may taste different to residents in Shavers Bench, Miral Heights, Glenmerry and Waneta while the city shuts down its usual source from the Bear Creek Well.
Shutting down the well, which pulls water from the Bear Creek aquifer, is mandatory during the repairs. Instead, water will be provided to affected neighbourhoods through the city’s water treatment plant for the duration of the job.
Residents may notice a chlorine odour in their water, which can be eliminated by refrigerating water in an open top container over night.
Mechanical repairs in the pump house will begin Monday and are expected to roll into May.
“This is regular maintenance that is recommended to take place every eight to 10 years,” explained Chris McIsaac, the city’s utilities superintendent. “The last time the pump and motor were pulled was 2006, so we are right at the end of the recommended time frame.”
Repairs are necessary to maintain the health and longevity of the mechanical equipment and water quality, he added.
For pump house maintenance queries, contact McIsaac at 250.364.842. For water-related and treatment plant inquiries, contact the city at 250.368.3821.
