Dawson Creek awaits permits for new water supply amid continuing emergency state

FORT ST. JOHN, BC. — Dawson Creek is still waiting for permits to lay hoses along highways as its water supplies run low.

In a December 4th press release, the City of Dawson Creek provided an update on its emergency overland water transfer plan, which it began due to its ongoing state of local emergency (SOLE) due to the Kiskatinaw River’s water levels. 

In recent updates, the city noted that despite having only 150 days of water supply left back in September, the river has since mildly improved to 180 days.

The municipal government noted its emergency operations team was continuing to work through “an extensive permitting process.” 

The process has involved multiple ministries, organizations and private companies to execute its overland hose plan, which would allow the city to lay hoses along highway corridors to transfer water from the Peace River.

“Work continues on planning the overland hose route from the Peace River, including detailed mapping, engineering reviews and ensuring safe crossings such as culverts and CN Rail approvals are in place,” the city stated. 

The government has submitted applications to various provincial ministries, including Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and is waiting for approval which would allow for short-term water use under the province’s Water Sustainability Act.

“Once approvals from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit are granted, crews can begin preparing culverts—cleaning and readying them for potential hose placement.”

It stated hoses would only be deployed when the supplemental water was needed due to reservoir levels dropping. 

“Due to some recent precipitation, favourable weather, careful water management and community conservation efforts, we are in a better place than when this emergency first started,” the release said. 

“We have been able to maintain levels in our reservoirs and have not had to utilize them yet.”

The city’s current SOLE began on October 28th, has been extended twice and is set to expire on December 9th. 

At this time, the city is enforcing ‘stage three’ water conservation measures, which include restricting the hauling of potable water for non-potable uses. 

Residents, businesses and contractors are all reminded and encouraged to limit their water consumption to essential needs only.