2025 August Water Supply Update

The long-term weather forecast for the region continues to include above-average temperatures and below-average rain in the next few days, signaling a warmer and drier than normal month of August.

Chapman Lake Water System

The Chapman Water System has been under Stage 2 water conservation regulations since Friday, July 11. Thanks to the reduced water use by the community and the rain from earlier this week, implementing Stage 3 water conservation regulation is not likely to be expected for at least another couple of weeks.

Chaster Well

The Chaster Well is scheduled for repair later this summer; in the meantime, the Church Road Wellfield is being used to replace production capacity.

Environmental Flow Needs

The SCRD releases water from Chapman Lake into Chapman Creek to ensure that there are 200 litres of water in the lower reaches of the creek to maintain the health of the ecosystem. This is provided in addition to water for community use.

Due to permitting delays, including with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, there will be no reduction to Chapman Creek Environmental Flow Needs this summer. The pilot program is now targeted for 2026 and 2027. Discussions with the shíshálh Nation and the Province are ongoing regarding continued use of siphon systems in the event of an extended late-summer drought.

Water Use

Residents are encouraged to focus on what they can do by acting in their households to conserve water this summer. Some great advice and tips can be found here.

Residents can sign up for the monthly Water Use Update to stay informed on their water use and fix any leaks in their private water system as soon as they are informed by the SCRD that they might have one.

Other Water Systems

The Eastbourne Water System has seen declining productivity of the aquifer this water system relies on. As a result, Stage 3 water conservation regulations will be in effect in that system beginning Friday, August 8.

The South Pender Water System is also on Stage 2 water conservation regulations as of July 11. Thanks to the subsequent reduction in water use by the community, implementing Stage 3 water conservation regulation is currently not considered for this water system.

All other water systems remain on Stage 1.