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

Quick links

 

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 Sharp Creek Reservoir (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

Stage 1 Water Conservation is now in effect. 

Water News & Updates

Call for Urgent Water Conservation (September 1, 2023)

September 1, 2023

Sector specific recommendations for water conservation measures.

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Stage 3 Water Conservation Begins Monday, July 10, 2023

July 6, 2023

May and June 2023 have been significantly hotter and drier months than usual. Stage 3 Water Conservation begins Monday, July 10, 2023 and prohibits all outdoor use of water. ⁠

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Press Release: Tofino Launches Water Conservation Challenge

June 1, 2023

By relaunching the successful “20% Challenge”, the District is hoping to minimize the impacts of low water flows during increasingly hot,
and dry summers.

Read More