Water began to flow through another length of new steel pipes in Erickson last Wednesday, signaling completion of Phase IV of a lengthy upgrade to the Arrow Creek water system.
“It went well,” RDCK project manager Jeff Phillips said from Nelson last week. “However we are experiencing some challenges while we operate this new water main and the old line. This was expected--the extent of the challenges could not be modeled/forecasted due to the leaks in the old main and the low pressures. As some customers remain serviced off the old main we need to keep it in operation. Getting these customers off the old main has been occurring all summer and is continuing. This is the current priority for us.”
Earlier this year, with the federal government committed to funding infrastructure projects across the country, the RDCK revamped its construction plan. It combined the two anticipated final phases into a single Phase V, funding for which was approved in September. “
We will be constructing the final phase starting next spring, with final design work, tendering and permitting starting right away,” Phillips said.
“There will be much activity in Erickson and Lakeview-Arrow Creek road next summer and we will work to minimize the disruption to local residents and all users of the water system both in Creston and Erickson.” Phillips admitted that he and RDCK staff will be happy to see the end of this project, which replaces all of the 1929 concrete main line and includes other upgrades intended to improve delivery of water from the treatment plant.
“It’s going to be busy, but great that we can finally get this finished for everyone, especially Robin Douville (who manages the treatment plant and water delivery system) who’s been dealing with the troubles of this water main for nearly 30 years. There’s an unbelievable amount of repairs that he’s had to do.”
The Arrow Creek water treatment plant and main line provide water to Erickson and Creston residents. The system includes several storage areas, including a huge new tank near Haskins Road East. The reservoirs provide storage and also help create pressure to move water to properties in the area.
When Phase V is complete all 11 km of concrete mainline will have been replaced by 24-inch steel pipe.
A quote from the RDCK project plan outlines the challenges posed by construction of a new water treatment a decade ago, without first replacing the old mainline.
“The Arrow Creek Water Treatment Plant is a state of the art facility and the treatment process consists of coarse screening, settlement, fine screening, membrane filtration, ultraviolet disinfection, and residual downstream disinfection by chlorination. Drinking water leaving the plant exceeds Canadian and Provincial drinking water quality standards; however, once the treated water leaves the plant, a large amount of water is lost due to leakage and treated water is at risk of recontamination. “