The Dawson Creek Water Supply System Project is working to secure a new, reliable water source for Dawson Creek and the region.
Phase 1 Feasibility Study Now Complete
The Water Supply System Project has reached an important milestone with the completion of Phase 1: Preliminary Research & Planning.
Over the past several years, Dawson Creek has experienced increasing pressure on its water supply due to drought conditions and changing climate patterns. The Phase 1 study examined a range of factors to assess future water supply needs and opportunities, including future water demand, climate change impacts, groundwater potential, alternative water sources, water quality considerations, route and infrastructure opportunities, environmental and regulatory requirements, and associated costs and implementation considerations.
City of Dawson Creek staff presented the Feasibility Study to Council at the August 10 Committee of the Whole Meeting. Watch the meeting recording on the City of Dawson Creek Facebook page.
Feasibility Study Findings
The study found that Dawson Creek's long-term water challenge is not just about reducing water use, but ensuring a reliable water supply as demand grows, and water availability becomes more uncertain.
Key findings include:
- Future water demand is expected to increase over the coming decades as the community grows.
- Climate change is expected to bring warmer temperatures, reduced snowpack, earlier spring runoff, and more pressure on water supplies during summer months.
- Conservation will continue to play an important role, but additional long-term water supply solutions may need to be considered.
Several potential water source options were identified and assessed using technical, environmental, operational, financial, and regulatory criteria. Based on the findings of the Phase 1 study, the following options have been identified for further evaluation:
- Improving drought response measures, infrastructure and emergency preparedness to continue using the Kiskatinaw River, the City’s current water source
- Drawing water from the Peace River near Clayhurst
- Drawing water from the Peace River near Taylor
- Drawing water from the Pine River
To learn more, read the full Council Report, where detailed descriptions of each option can be found starting on page 8.
No Preferred Option Selected
One of the primary objectives of Phase 1 was to narrow the range of alternatives requiring further investment, evaluation, and refinement. The study provided the City with a much clearer understanding of the opportunities, challenges, costs, risks, and trade-offs associated with each option. While it did not identify a preferred water source, it successfully reduced a broad range of alternatives to a smaller number of viable options for future consideration.
Next Steps
Council will review the findings of the Phase 1 Feasibility Study and consider future recommendations from staff. Based on the study results, Council will provide direction on whether additional work should proceed, and which water supply options warrant further evaluation.
If Council chooses to advance the project, future work outlined in Phase 2 may include additional technical investigations, refinement of cost estimates, exploration of partnership and funding opportunities, and continued engagement with residents, Indigenous communities, government agencies, and interest holders.
It is important to reinforce that no decisions have been made regarding a preferred water source. Any future decisions will be considered by Council through future public reports and discussions.
Project Phases
This work to secure a reliable water source will take place over four phases, allowing us to pause, reflect, and adapt as needed to make sure we are taking the right steps and making the best decisions for our community moving forward:
