Kamloops, BC – May 3, 2024 – Effective immediately, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has lifted the Boil Water Notice and Water Quality Advisory for the Black Pines Community Water System. Testing has now been completed on the new groundwater well, and water quality results from the new groundwater source are within Interior Health guidelines for safe, potable drinking water.
“This new system means that Black Pines residents will have safer, high-quality drinking water, and will eliminate many risks that have led to advisories in the past,” said Tyrone McCabe, TNRD Utility Services Manager.
Previously, the primary source for the Community Water System was an intake from the North Thompson River. Boil Water Notices were an annual occurrence in previous years due to turbidity, and a separate Water Quality Advisory was in place for several years. Additionally, the river intake was at risk of running dry in the long-term due to shifting sandbars in the river.
The switchover to the new groundwater well source was completed in January 2024. There are approximately 42 properties within the Black Pines Community Water System that will benefit from this change.
The groundwater well project cost $1.5 million, and included $896,666 in funding from the New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund, $150,000 in funding from Trans Mountain, and $455,000 in a loan authorization that was approved by referendum in February 2021.
“The new Black Pines groundwater intake system will provide a secure source of water for the community over the long-term. There were many steps needed to successfully see this project through, and we are grateful for contributions from Trans Mountain and the New Build Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund, which helped make sure this project was viable,” said Lee Morris, Electoral Area “P” Director.
About TNRD Community Water and Sewer Systems:
The TNRD owns and operates 11 Community Water Systems, all of which were constructed within communities and later acquired by the TNRD upon request. These water systems range in size, from approximately 16 connections to approximately 328 connections. The TNRD adheres to a Water Conservation Plan for its water systems. Learn more: tnrd.ca/watersystems.
Contact:
Colton Davies, Communications Manager
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250 377-6299
Email: cdavies@tnrd.ca