South Slocan Water System

Size and number of connections

The system services 59 active connections.

Location

The system is located in the community of South Slocan within RDCK Electoral Area H.

Source

The South Slocan system currently draws water from Watt’s Brook. Historically, this system also drew water from nearby Smokey Creek; however, at the moment, the RDCK is inspecting the creek and examining the feasibility of connecting it to the distribution system. Smokey Creek continues to suffer from water quality and quantity problems that can be linked to historic resource activities. In 1987 the RDCK purchased land above Smokey Creek with the intention of controlling logging activities in the watershed. The areas surrounding both sources are classified as Community Watersheds.

System description

This system was first constructed prior to 1950 and became a RDCK service in the 1980s. In order to address significant and persistent issues with historic water quality and quantity, the system recently underwent significant upgrades.

Treatment

As part of the recent upgrades, a new water treatment plant was installed in South Slocan in July, 2010. The plant includes three filtration banks consisting of a backwashable sand media filter, a 1-micron nominal cartridge and a 1-micron absolute cartridge. UV disinfection and residual chlorine disinfection provide a microbiological barrier. The plant also uses a SCADA system, which allows for remote monitoring of plant processes.

Storage

The system includes a 273,000 litre steel reservoir that holds raw water, and a 300,300 litre steel reservoir that holds treated water. This second reservoir was installed during the recent general upgrade to the South Slocan system.

Distribution system

The system includes steel, cast iron, and PVC piping. Some sections of the distribution system were replaced in 1992 and 2003. New piping was also installed as part of the recent upgrade. Historic reports suggest that some piping has been subject to the types of maintenance issues that accompany aging distribution systems.

Fire-fighting

Existing fire-fighting infrastructure includes five hydrants and two standpipes. The flow and storage capacity of the system, however, is inadequate to provide reliable fire suppression.

Significant issues

Watt’s Brook, the source for the South Slocan water system, provides limited flow. Especially during certain seasons, the system is nearing capacity for demand. Usage in the community is high and, as a result, this system could benefit from the implementation of water conservation strategies.

Plans for future upgrades

Plans for the near future include the installation of a booster station which will supply pressurized water to a portion of the community at higher elevation. An a ging, non-potable galvanized intake at Watt's Brook will also be replaced, as will aging, non-potable galvanized settling basins.

As discussed above, the RDCK is investigating the potential of connecting the Smokey Creek source to the system. This would require upgrades to a dam that was installed in the creek in the 1950s. It may also require stream remediation work.

Governance

This system is currently owned and operated by the RDCK. The RDCK receives community-specific advice and policy guidance from the South Slocan Commission of Management.