Dawson Creek Water Supply System Project Update: Phase 1 Feasibility Study Complete

Dawson Creek, BC — The City of Dawson Creek has completed Phase 1 of the Water Supply System Project, marking an important step in planning for the community’s long-term water future. The study was undertaken to better understand future water needs, evaluate potential water supply options, and identify ways to improve water security in the face of drought, climate change, and future growth.

About the Feasibility Study

Over the past several years, Dawson Creek has experienced increasing pressure on its water supply due to drought conditions and changing climate patterns. While conservation efforts, water metering, reclaimed water use, and infrastructure improvements have successfully reduced water consumption, technical studies indicate these measures alone may not fully address future water supply challenges.

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.

“The first phase of the Water Supply System Project has provided crucial information about Dawson Creek’s future water needs and potential options to help the City understand how to provide long-term water security for future generations. As the project moves forward, the City will continue engaging residents, Indigenous communities, technical experts, government and regulatory agencies, and industry to carefully consider trade-offs and determine the path forward that best aligns with the community’s long-term priorities and goals.”

Devon Aaroe, General Manager of Major Infrastructure and Development, City of Dawson Creek 

Feasibility Study Findings

The goal of Phase 1, which included the Feasibility Study, was to reduce uncertainty regarding Dawson Creek’s long-term water supply needs. 

Based on the findings of the Phase 1 feasibility study, the following options are the remaining possible source water solutions:

• Kiskatinaw River: If selected, the City would need further drought resistance and emergency planning to use the current water source, the Kiskatinaw River
• Peace River – Clayhurst: Drawing water from the Peace River near Clayhurst
• Peace River – Taylor: Drawing water from the Peace River near Taylor
• Pine River: Drawing water from the Pine River near where the Murray River meets the Pine River

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. Phase 1 was not intended to identify a preferred water source. However, it successfully reduced a broad range of alternatives to a smaller number of viable options for future consideration. This creates a stronger foundation for informed decision-making and helps focus future efforts on those options most capable of meeting the City's long-term water supply objectives.

Two options that were reviewed and are not being recommended for further focus at this time include:

• Murray River: The Murray River has been removed from the list of possible sources at this time due to lack of climate resilience, constructability concerns and water treatment requirements.
• Ground Water: Ground water sources found in the area did not have enough volume to be considered a viable primary water source at this time.

Planning-Level Cost Estimates

At this stage, we have developed preliminary, high-level planning cost estimates for the potential water sources. These estimates include costs for engineering, inflation and unexpected or unknown expenses. These allowances make up a significant portion of the total cost because there is still some uncertainty while the project is in this conceptual planning stage.

The cost estimates developed for the new potential sources are as follows:

• Peace River -  Clayhurst
  • Capital Cost: ~$255 Million
  • Lifecycle Cost: ~280 Million
• Peace River – Taylor
  • Capital Cost: ~272 Million
  • Lifecycle Cost: ~314 Million
• Pine River
  • Capital Cost: ~194 Million
  • Lifecycle Cost: ~236 Million

Capital costs include the estimates for constructing the new water supply system and lifecycle costs include the estimates for operating and maintaining the infrastructure over their entire lifespan, which is estimated to be 50 years. These costs are projected using 2030 dollars and are “Class D” estimates – which means they are a very early, rough estimation of how much the project will cost. These costs will be refined as the project goes on, and further planning is completed. 

What Happens Next?

Council reviewed the findings of the Phase 1 Feasibility Study during the August 10, 2026 Council Meeting and will look to the August 24, 2026 Meeting where staff will provide recommendations for future work as part of Phase 2 of the Water Supply System project.  Based on the study results, Council will provide direction on whether this next stage of 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.

At this point, no decisions have been made regarding a preferred water source. Any future decisions will be considered by Council through future public reports and discussions.

Stay Informed

As the project moves forward, the City remains committed to keeping residents informed and providing opportunities for the community to stay engaged in discussions about Dawson Creek's long-term water security.

An update on the Water Supply Project and the Executive Summary of the technical Phase 1 Feasibility Study was provided to Council at the August 10 Committee of the Whole Meeting. Find the Report to Council online at dawsoncreek.civicweb.net or watch the meeting recording on the City of Dawson Creek Facebook page. 

To learn more about the project, visit dawsoncreek.ca/water-supply.

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Media Contact:
Communications Department
communications@dawsoncreek.ca