Supplying Domestic Water to Faulder

The Faulder community west of Summerland requires an alternative source of domestic water in the near future. This is because the aquifer that supplies water to the community is inexplicably declining, making its recovery uncertain. Also, the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality have recently changed, and the water quality in Faulder does not meet these new guidelines.

Over the next few weeks the RDOS and the District of Summerland will be requesting feedback from the public on an option provide water to the Faulder residents that will also increase water treatment capacity for Summerland.

What are the alternatives?

The alternatives that have been considered are:

• Constructing a new well and uranium removal
• Purchase of treated water from Summerland
• A ranney/horizontal well adjacent to Trout Creek

Which alternative is preferred?

Of the three options, the Summerland one provides the lowest risk for Faulder residents.

Therefore, the RDOS has asked Summerland to consider extending a pipeline from Summerland to supply the residents of Faulder with a reliable and safe source of domestic water. The RDOS will in turn fund a portion of a water separation project designed to free up treated water capacity for Summerland beyond Faulder’s needs.

What is Summerlands’ response?

Over the past few months, the District of Summerland has been exploring this opportunity with the RDOS in order to clarify details related to infrastructure requirements, funding, and benefits to Summerland should Council agree to supply water to Faulder.

At this point, RDOS and the District of Summerland Council view the proposal as a win-win situation for all involved. It supplies domestic water to Faulder at no cost to Summerland, and it provides funds for the next stage of Summerland’s long term plan for separating irrigation water from domestic water.

Who will pay the cost of doing this?

• There will be no cost to Summerland residents as all costs will be borne by the RDOS.

• The RDOS will utilize provincial government grants as well as taxation of Faulder residents to cover all costs associated with providing water to Faulder.

Who will pay for the additional operational costs?

• While Faulder residents will continue to be a part of the RDOS, their water system will be owned and managed by the District of Summerland. Water use will be monitored through domestic water meters and the RDOS will be paying Summerland approximately $30,000 per year to cover operating costs.

What are the benefits to Faulder?

• Summerland will supply Faulder residents with a source of domestic water that is reliable, more secure, and IHA-compliant.

• The connection to Summerland water has the lowest risk of the three alternatives.

• Faulder residents will pay the same user fee and receive the same level of service as Summerland residents.

What are the benefits to Summerland?

• The RDOS will pay a one-time connection fee to Summerland, amounting to approximately $320,000. Summerland will use these funds to reduce the irrigation demands on their water treatment plant, thereby freeing up more treated water for domestic use.

• Summerland will be better able to protect and sustain their valuable water resource.

• Summerland will have a voice in plans for future development in the area because connection to the water system will require Summerland’s approval. 

• One common water system is more cost effective as it spreads costs over a larger user base.

Will Summerland and Faulder residents be able to provide input?

• The RDOS and Summerland will schedule an open house to provide information, answer questions, and to receive feedback that can be considered prior to finalizing plans to connect Faulder to the Summerland system.

• The RDOS will meet with Faulder residents to identify and review the options to improve their water system, to answer questions, and to confirm their support for the recommended option of connecting to the Summerland water system.

How can I get more information?

• Plan to attend the open house in April.
• Visit these websites: www.summerland.ca and www.rdos.bc.ca.