Public Works

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Public Services

Keeping the wheels turning

The Infrastructure & Public Works Department is dedicated to providing high quality, essential services to the public including design, construction, operations, maintenance and management of the District’s roads, rights of way, facilities, solid waste, sewer, water and storm drainage systems.

Help Keep our Community Safe & Clean

There are many moving parts when it comes to services that keep Tofino running, so it is no surprise that occasionally, things break! Don't hesitate to let us know about a problem or concern.

Contact

Public Works Staff

250-725-3229
Email Public Works

If calling after hours, please contact the After Hours Emergency Line at 250-726-7837

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Tofino's Drinking Water System

Tofino’s tap water is collected with gratitude from the rainforests protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in the Hahuulthii of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha'wiih.

Water System Components

Water Sources

The District obtains its drinking water from four rain-fed creeks on Meares Island, piped across the seabed to our treatment facilities in Tofino.

 

Source Reservoirs

Two creeks have reservoirs: Ahkmahksis Reservoir (23,000 m3) and Close Creek Dam (2,000 m3). These source reservoirs are intended to bridge the gap between the District’s demand for water and the volume available from the four creeks during dry conditions.

 

Treatment

The four creeks are piped into two treatment locations: Bay Street Chlorination Station and Ahkmahksis Water Treatment Plant. From this point on, the water is potable.

 

Distribution

The water is then distributed throughout the district through roughly 38 km of watermains.

 

Potable Water Reservoirs

 The distribution system includes water storage at three potable water reservoirs: Stump Dump, DL 117, and Barrs Mountain. Altogether they store 7,400 m3. These reservoirs primarily provide storage to meet peak day demands, provide emergency storage, and meet fire flow demands.

Learn More About Tofino's Water System

Tofino's Water

Tofino’s drinking water system is comprised of five primary components: water sources, source reservoirs, water treatment, distribution, and potable water reservoirs.

Water Sampling

All water suppliers in British Colombia are required to monitor water that reaches consumers for total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli) regularly. The monitoring is one part of a comprehensive approach to safe drinking water.

  • The presence of E. coli in a water sample indicates that bacteria capable of causing illness may be present in the water system.
  • The presence of total coliform bacteria may indicate a breakdown in the treatment process, or growth in the distribution system.
BC Sampling Reports

Water Conservation

Conserving water is essential because it keeps water pure and clean while protecting the environment.

 

Stage 1 Water Conservation is implemented between May 1 and October 1 every year unless other stages take effect in the interim.

Stage 1 Water Conservation Begins May 1, 2023

April 25, 2023

Stage 1 Water Conservation is implemented between May 1 and October 1 every year unless other stages take effect in the interim.

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