Challenges faced by small water systems in the Powell River area are not uncommon in British Columbia.
Many small water systems struggle to cope with drinking water legislation, finding and retaining trained and certified operators, selecting appropriate treatment technology, obtaining affordable liability insurance and financing needed infrastructure improvements. As well, these systems are often run by volunteers, whose numbers have been decreasing in recent years.
Awareness about the need to ensure a safe and secure drinking water supply increased dramatically in the wake of a deadly outbreak of E. coli in the town of Walkerton, Ontario in 2000. Seven people died and thousands became ill when bacteria washed into the town’s water system during heavy rainfall. BC strengthened its legislation with the Drinking Water Protection Act in 2001.
All water systems require funds to operate. They face increased costs due to the need to improve infrastructure, upgrade treatment and comply with regulations. However, access to funding is an ongoing challenge, since only municipalities and regional districts are eligible for infrastructure grants, including infrastructure planning grants.
The higher safety standards required by the drinking water legislation have made it harder for small systems to attain or maintain compliance. While the situation puts pressure on local governments, most notably regional districts, to take over small water systems, most in the province are reluctant to acquire them because they entail significant costs, administrative burdens and can be a liability. Many small water systems don’t want to be taken over either, because they fear higher water rates and the initial costs associated with amalgamation, loss of autonomy and lower levels of service.
Powell River Regional District has an unwritten policy that it will not consider taking over a water system unless it meets provincial regulations. While that policy makes sense from the regional district’s perspective, it puts small water systems in a classic Catch 22. How can these systems afford the upgrades to meet those standards when they are not eligible for federal or provincial grants? Why does the provincial government continue to deny small systems access to much needed infrastructure funding while at the same time requiring costly improvements to meet its regulations? Why does it pressure regional districts to take over small water systems without providing funds for infrastructure improvements?
The provincial government needs to recognize that financial assistance is the top priority for ensuring all residents have safe drinking water.
