Public Notice

Submarine Pipeline Repair Complete, Tofino Remains in Stage 2 Water Conservation

 

Public Notice: Successful Submarine Pipeline Repair Complete

As of 3:00PM today, June 27th 2023, District of Tofino Public Works crews successfully isolated and repaired a leak on a submarine water pipeline connecting Tofino to its drinking water reservoirs on Meares Island in the Haahuulthii of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha'wiih. Stage 2 Water Conservation remains in effect, and all other temporary restrictions have been lifted.

The District’s operators and engineering team will take the next two days to assess the issue and there may be a need to shut down the system for a third time for potential repairs and upgrades.

The District of Tofino is grateful for the community’s collaboration and participation in water conservation during the short but vulnerable window of time when the repair was conducted. The District thanks the community of Tofino for their quick response given the urgent notice. The District is thankful for the dedicated public works staff who isolated and repaired the leak in a safe and efficient process.

Earlier today a leak was discovered in the submarine pipeline that supplies water from Meares Island to the Bay Street Water Treatment Facility.  In order to isolate and repair the leak, a partial shutdown of the District’s water system was required. The restrictions were necessary to ensure adequate reserves for fire protection. District Staff communicated directly with major water users, Tourism Tofino, Tofino Chamber of Commerce and other key stakeholders to encourage conservation during the restricted window.

The pipeline repair has strengthened the resilience of Tofino’s water system by maximizing water collected on Meares Island, protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in the Haahuulthii of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha'wiih, ⁠and will ensure that our resources will last longer throughout the summer.

Stage 2 Water Conservation measures remain in effect for all businesses, residents and visitors. Please continue to conserve water during an already dry and hot summer season. The District is encouraging all users to reach a goal of conserving water by 20% compared to 2022 consumption. Participate and track Tofino’s water consumption weekly during the 20% Challenge by visiting talktofino.ca/water-conservation

Stage 2 Water Restrictions:

Outdoor watering of lawns, gardens, trees and landscaped areas is prohibited except for the watering of food plants by hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off mechanism or hand-held canister as follows:

• Odd numbered civic addresses may water on Monday and Thursday between the hours of 6 AM to 9 AM and 7 PM and 10 PM; and
• Even numbered civic addresses may water on Tuesday and Friday between the hours of 6 AM and 9 AM and 7 PM and 10 PM

All other outdoor use of water is prohibited except to the minimum extent to remove salt water and provide basic hygienic cleaning.

For clarity, filling or refilling of hot tubs is prohibited.

 

CONTACT

Keegan McColl

Communications Coordinator

District of Tofino

(T) 250 725 3229

(E) ac.onifot@snoitacinummoc