Woodlands Water System Update

The Regional District of Kitimat Stikine advises its Woodlands Water customers that water rationing is in effect due to a major pump failure in the Hemlock Street Well. Residents are requested to minimize water usage and help conserve water until further notice.

The problem is expected to take up to a week to fix.  An emergency system will continue to supply essential needs. If you have no water or have dirty water it is suggested you open a tap and try to expel air or clear your service line. 

The Regional District apologizes for this inconvenience. Notification will be given once the replacement pump is in operation.

July 7 Update (Re: Frequently Asked Questions):

The Hemlock Street Well pump motor failed and is being replaced. This will take several more days to complete. The immediate first response followed to keep water in the system and refill the Thornhill St. reservoir quickly was to shuttle water by tanker from the Thornhill Water System into the Woodland’s Water System.  To ensure the water remains potable and as a precautionary measure the Regional District chlorinated this water as it was introduced into the system. This was done in consultation with Northern Health. As the situation unfolded and the extent of the problem determined the Regional District switched to the longer term measure of interconnecting the two systems with an overland line and in-line pump to keep up with emergency water ration needs. (fire hose and pumper truck) Chlorination was maintained with this procedure.

The running out of water and introducing a temporary supply introduced air and “stirred up” manganese and iron precipitants in the system. As you may be aware this is a reflection of the chemistry characteristics of the Hemlock Street well. Residents without water or cloudy water are advised to run a tap to clear and clean their individual supply.

The system is being constantly monitored and tested to ensure recommended residual chlorine levels are being achieved. No boil water advisory has been issued or is expected. The Regional District continues to consult with Northern Health on our activities.

The Regional District has fielded numerous phone inquiries regarding the situation as it unfolded. Residents were provided the best information available at the time of their inquiry. We also continue to provide radio announcements, news updates and have a message posted on our website and our office after hours phone recording. We did not do nor plan to do individual mail drops.

On a longer term basis many changes and upgrades have been achieved or in the works for the Woodlands Water System. Reservoir security and upgrades have been completed; numerous fire hydrants installed; Miller St. line installed; King St. line replaced; interconnection routes between the system explored modeled and designed; actual line interconnection between the system is under construction; and the required booster station to connect the system has been designed and tendered with construction expected to be completed by the end of this year. At that point, the Hemlock well will become an emergency stand by well and the improvements previously planned completed.