2025 Water System Review
Posted: Dec 5, 2025 | By: Communications
At the December 2, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting, District staff presented the 2025 Water System Review. The presentation detailed improved operational performance, stable water supply conditions throughout the year, and proactive planning to strengthen long-term water security.
Understanding Tofino’s Water System
Tofino’s drinking water is collected with gratitude from the rainforests protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in the ḥaḥuułi (territory) of the Tla-o-qui-aht ḥaw̓ iiḥ (chiefs). Four creeks on Meares Island supply the community’s water through a flow-through system.
The District draws water from two systems:
- Bay Street System: Fed by three creeks
- Ahkmahksis System: Fed by one creek and supplies the majority of Tofino’s water through the Ahkmahksis Reservoir
The two systems are connected and supported by a pump station that moves water throughout the community and helps balance supply between the systems when needed.
Planning Ahead of 2025
Staff entered 2025 with a focus on preparing for increased pressures on the water system. Forecasted higher visitation levels and uncertainty about rainfall amounts necessitated careful planning. This planning led staff to implement various mitigation tactics throughout the year.
Enhancements to reservoir management helped ensure the Ahkmahksis Reservoir remained spilling over the dam throughout the year. When the reservoir is spilling, it indicates that natural inflows are meeting or exceeding community demand, and water levels are secure.
When feasible, staff paused drawing from the Ahkmahksis Reservoir on weekends, when water demand is typically highest, and relied solely on the Bay Street system to provide the community’s water. This allowed the Ahkmahksis Reservoir to replenish naturally.
Regular creek flow rate monitoring enabled more dynamic system operation throughout the summer. This represented a meaningful improvement over previous years.
Water Consumption Trends
Staff reported that community-wide water use in 2025 closely aligned with 2024 and with most years over the past decade. This level of demand was higher than in 2023, which was a drought year that required more substantial water conservation efforts from the community.
Operational improvements and sufficient rainfall in both 2024 and 2025 kept the community at Water Conservation Stage 1 throughout the summer, without the need for escalating water restrictions. This result reflects a significant community and operational success.
System Repairs, Maintenance, and Capital Work
Throughout 2025, staff conducted a range of capital and operational projects as well as essential system repairs and preventative maintenance. These activities supported overall system reliability and continued efforts to optimize water supply management.
Looking Ahead to 2026 & Beyond
Staff outlined several initiatives planned for 2026.
- The District will conduct water-use audits with the highest water users to identify inefficiencies and potential conservation opportunities.
- Staff will begin developing a framework and policy for a private water storage program. This program may help reduce demand on the municipal water system, support future amendments to the Limits to Growth Policy, and allow for additional development capacity.
- Staff will present further information to Council on the Alternate Water Source Feasibility Study, which evaluates short-listed potential alternative water sources for the community.
- The District will continue to proactively manage and optimize the water system to reduce the risks associated with water scarcity.
- In January, staff will also present a one-year update on the Limits to Growth Policy, including proposed amendments that reflect data, trends, and outcomes observed throughout 2025.
The District remains committed to reducing the risks associated with water scarcity and providing a stable, reliable water supply for the community.
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