Black Pines Community Water System Loan Authorization

Affected Area(s): Black Pines Community Water System

Number of Parcels: 44

Borrowing Amount/ Term: $455,000 over 20 years

Loan Background

In 2021, through referendum, residents within the Black Pines Community Water System service area approved borrowing $455,000 over 20 years for the purpose of upgrading the Black Pines Community Water System. In April 2024, upon completion of the new groundwater well project, a letter was sent to impacted property owners, advising them of options to pay by a one-time, up-front payment by July 5, 2024, or have an annual amount added to their annual property tax notice for 20 years beginning in 2025. For affected property owners, a full breakdown of costs and payment options is explained in the letter attached below.

About the Project

The Black Pines Community Water System groundwater well project was fully completed in early 2024. This became the primary water source for Black Pines CWS customers, replacing the North Thompson River intake source. A new water source was needed due to a shifting sandbar that put the river intake at severe risk of running dry in future years. This sandbar had been forming for several decades, and also led to poor water quality for more than a decade due to turbidity. The system switchover to the groundwater well was completed in January 2024, and all advisories were lifted in May 2024 following the completion of testing which confirmed that water quality results are within Interior Health guidelines for safe, potable drinking water.

News Release: May 3, 2024: “New Groundwater Well Completed in Black Pines, All Water Advisories Lifted”

Community Meeting

When: Thursday, May 23, 2024, 6:30 pm
Where: Whispering Pines Community Hall (10134 Rodeo Way)

The TNRD hosted this meeting to inform Black Pines Community Water System customers on the completed groundwater source project, as well as the parcel tax requisition for this project and commutation options for residents. TNRD staff provided a presentation followed by a question and answer session. Presentation materials are now available on this webpage. Thank you to residents who attended!