Deep Bay Improvement District

Emergency Water Shut Off Notice, scheduled for May 22

Please be advised that a temporary water line shut off will be necessary to make a repair to the water main under the road in the area in front of 5340 Gainsberg Rd. This will affect all residents from 5315 Gainsberg down to and including Burne Rd, Crome Point Rd and Deep Bay Dr. These repairs are scheduled to commence tomorrow morning, May 22, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

We would appreciate if you could notify your neighbours of this notice as all DBID residents are not part of this emergency email list. Thank you.

This water leak is within an archaeological site boundary area and as a result a provincial Heritage Conservation Act permit is required to carry out the leak repairs. The permit application work was completed by the DBID’s archeological consultants, and the provincial Ministry has issued an emergency permit described as: “Site alterations with monitoring as part of emergency waterline repairs near 5340 Gainsberg Road, Bowser, BC within DiSe-7 S’uqsen.”

Given that the work is within a designated archaeological site DiSe-7, the construction methods are much different than traditional methods used in the past. For instance, no Hydrovac equipment, a toothed bucket can only be used for asphalt removal and a combination of finishing bucket and hand digging for the remainder. These requirements make it more difficult to estimate how long the repair will take. That said it is anticipated that the repair will take until at least 1:00 p.m. and perhaps longer. If more accurate information becomes available an update may be posted on the front page of the DBID website. www.dbid.ca

This water leak work has delayed water flushing activities. Water flushing is now anticipated to be completed by June 5, 2026.

John Marsh

DBID Administrator

May 14, 2026 – Ratepayer Feedback to DBID:

I sampled the water at my place several days in a row and found the chlorine to be between 0.8 & 1.2 ppm. While I know this is within allowable limits it is still much higher than what most communities maintain as a free chlorine residual in their water systems. Most communities maintain a 0.2 to 0.4 ppm.

Water Operator Response:

My data aligns with yours, the high in the system has been 1.07 mg/L on the main line, well within the allowable limit. The 0.2–0.4 mg/L range you mention isn’t a benchmark I can apply to this system given the dead-end configurations and the nature of the high velocity flushing being done. I need adequate residual at the source to ensure minimums are met at the far reaches of the system and currently those endpoints are reading 0.3–0.7 mg/L, which leaves little room to reduce dosing without falling out of compliance in the other direction. Chlorine residuals are being monitored regularly at multiple points in the system.

If there are specific residents experiencing health effects, I’d ask that they contact me directly with details so those reports can be properly documented and investigated. At the chlorine levels present in this system, the effects described would be unexpected, and I want to take any legitimate concerns seriously.

Residents bothered by taste or odor can leave an open container of water out for a few hours so the chlorine can off-gas on its own. Same applies to pet water bowls; for any health concerns about animals, I am unqualified to address them, a vet would be the right call.

May 1, 2026 – Water Main Flushing Program – The Deep Bay Improvement District Water Operator, Core Water Management Ltd., has provided the following information for the Water Main Flushing Program that is scheduled to begin on May 7, 2026. In advance of the water flushing Core Water Management has turned on the chlorination equipment on May 1, 2026. This will allow the chlorine to slowly work its way out to the community water system over the weekend and then it will be monitored in the days leading up to the first day of flushing.

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this program is to maintain and improve the quality of drinking water distributed to all residents of the Deep Bay Improvement District. Flushing helps remove sediment, biofilm, and stagnant water from pipes, keeping water clean, clear, and safe to drink. It also ensures hydrants and valves are working properly.

Reasons for Flushing

Flushing is carried out to:
• Remove sediment, rust, and minerals that can collect in pipes.
• Reduce the risk of Total Coliform bacterial growth
• Exercise hydrants and valves to make sure they are working.

Flushing Schedule

Flushing will be carried out starting May 7^th. The program is expected to take about two to three weeks to complete. Work will occur during daytime hours, typically between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Procedure

Temporary Chlorination – Chlorine will be temporarily added to the system prior to flushing to ensure water potability during and after flushing
Flushing Procedure – We will start at the top end of the system and work our way through to the ends. Each hydrant/blowoff will be flushed for varying durations based on observed water quality.
Monitoring – Operators will be observing water clarity, chlorine residual, flush water drainage, reservoir level and hydrant/valve operations.
Evaluation – After flushing, any hydrant or valve issues will be documented for repair or follow-up.

What the Community Should Expect

During flushing, residents may notice temporarily discoloured or cloudy water and fluctuating water pressure. This is normal and not harmful. Water may contain air bubbles or appear milky for a short time. Residents should avoid doing laundry while flushing is taking place nearby, as discoloured water can stain clothing.

After flushing, if water appears discoloured, residents should run a cold water tap for 5–10 minutes until it clears. Water remains safe, but it’s best to wait until it looks clear before drinking or cooking with it. Normal water pressure will return once flushing is finished.

Communication

The Deep Bay Improvement District will provide advance notice of flushing dates. Updates will be shared online through the website and on community signage boards. We encourage all residents to sign up for email updates through the DBID Notifications form found at www.dbid.ca

Monthly Board Meeting, May 19, 2026 – Agenda
Pipeline Newsletter Special Edition – Reservoir/Waterline Replacement Update
Current Newsletter – Pipeline, April 2026
DBID Election Results – October 4, 2025, please see final results here
Deep Bay Improvement District obtains “Qualified Donee” status
Pre-Authorized Payment Plan available see application for Pre Authorized Water Tolls Payment and Pre Authorized Tax Payment for more information

The office maintains an emergency contact email list. This is used strictly for advising and updating during emergencies (e.g. boil water advisories) and include any other important matters. To be included, please provide your contact information below.

Upcoming Meeting Dates

Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted.

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Billing and Payment information See Frequently Asked Questions here regarding billing cycles, rates and payment options.

Burn Permit information See Deep Bay Fire Department here or Frequently Asked Questions here regarding Burn Permits

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