City of Dawson Creek Exploring Options for Alternative Water Supply

Dawson Creek, BC – Dawson Creek was not built around a major water source, unlike many other cities that developed near lakes or large rivers.  Over the years, this has led to ongoing challenges in maintaining a secure and sustainable water supply, especially during dry seasons. With the unprecedented drought conditions experienced in 2023 and continuing into 2025, the pressure on our water system has only intensified. In preparation, the City of Dawson Creek has taken proactive steps over the past decades to mitigate these challenges and ensure a long-term, reliable water future for residents, businesses, and the surrounding region.

Sure Water Campaign

In 2013, the City of Dawson Creek worked alongside consultants to develop the Sure Water Campaign in response to the uncertainty surrounding the city’s water supply. The Sure Water Campaign was an information and consultation campaign to identify water users’ preference among the four options presented: 

1. Maintaining and upgrading the existing Kiskatinaw River water supply system
2. Enhancing the existing system with increased raw-water storage to minimize drought-related impacts and water restrictions
3. Tapping into groundwater aquifers as a back-up to the existing source 
4. Building a water pipeline from a new source such as the Peace River or Murray River 

A community survey (2013) revealed a strong preference (71%) for building a new pipeline to the Peace or Murray River. Council at the time chose to continue down the path of ensuring water security for the community, which included building a new reservoir, maximizing the use of the existing water treatment system and continuing to pursue the possibility of a pipeline in the future.

Tapping into groundwater aquifers became an inviable option, as the groundwater was found to be brackish and not suitable for potable water. Because of this, the City cannot produce more water without connecting to a new water source. 

Infrastructure Expansion: Project Details

Ongoing planning for the pipeline project has remained a priority given the strong community support and strategic alignment with the long-term water capacity goals of the City. The City team has been completing preliminary project work, exploring potential routes for the pipeline and pursuing an exemption from the Environmental Assessment Office.

The exemption process can take up to a year and half, and if not granted, then the full environmental impact assessment would be required and could take anywhere from three to five years before the City could obtain a permit for this project.

Once approvals are in place, the City team can start to explore what a potential project would look like and refine costs, while also looking for partners or funding opportunities. It will also require further strategic planning with provincial partners to reinforce long-term water source resilience and watershed protection.

Timeline of Actions Taken to Boost Water Security

Summary

The City of Dawson Creek has been advocating for the community with various provincial ministries to ensure all parties concerned have the most up-to-date information, which will assist the City in providing a cost effective and long-term solution to water needs.

With major steps already taken over the past decade and new initiatives underway, the City remains committed to safeguarding safe, reliable water for Dawson Creek now and into the future. For more information or to view the Sure Water Campaign Report online, visit our Water Security website page at www.dawsoncreek.ca/water-security.

-30- 

Media Contact for this Media Release Only:

Kevin Henderson, Chief Administrative Officer

250-784-3622

khenderson@dawsoncreek.ca