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The Capital Regional District is repairing a major water main near Thetis Lake, asking Saanich and Saanich Peninsula residents to conserve water until Monday morning.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) has issued an urgent water conservation request for residents across Saanich and the Saanich Peninsula as crews perform emergency repairs on a large transmission main near Thetis Lake. The repair work began on Thursday and is expected to continue through the weekend, with residents asked to reduce water use until Monday morning.
Emergency Repair on Thetis Lake Water Main
The damaged main, approximately 1.2 metres in diameter, is a critical piece of infrastructure that normally carries water north to the Saanich Peninsula and parts of Saanich. To complete the repair, crews have taken the main out of service and are rerouting water through an alternate part of the system. Alicia Fraser, the CRD's general manager of infrastructure and water services, explained that the backup route operates at lower pressure and must move water a long distance, including through hills and valleys.
Fraser described the main as the primary and sole feed to the peninsula and a large portion of Saanich. She noted that the alternate main is struggling to keep up with demands, especially during peak usage periods. As a result, residents are being asked to hold off on outdoor watering, washing vehicles, and other non-essential water uses until the work is finished.
The leak was first identified after someone noticed water along the Trans Canada Highway earlier last week. CRD crews investigated and traced it to the transmission main. The cause of the leak remains unknown, but Fraser said crews should have a better idea once they fully expose the damaged section. Excavation began Thursday morning along the northbound Trans Canada Highway between the Island Highway and Six Mile Road overpasses.
Water Conservation Urged for Saanich Residents
Fraser emphasized that every drop reduced truly matters, as people drawing water from that system are dependent on it. The alternate system has so far been able to maintain service, but there have been some signs of strain. During peak demands, some areas were struggling to keep up. Reducing water use helps preserve capacity for essential household, business, and emergency needs while crews work to restore the primary supply route.
Crews are hoping to complete the repair by the end of Friday, but the work will not end once the damaged section is fixed. The system will need to be repressurized, and water quality testing will be carried out downstream of the repair. The CRD is asking residents to conserve water until Monday morning to give crews additional time to deal with any unforeseen issues.
Traffic and Trail Closures During Repair Work
Drivers travelling through the work zone are being asked to slow down, follow traffic control directions, and obey posted signs. A multi-use trail at the south end of Thetis Lake Regional Park is also closed while the repair continues. Water quality is not expected to be affected.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the CRD's active service alert for updates on the repair timeline and any changes to the water conservation request. Fraser reiterated that residents' help in reducing demand on the system is crucial. The CRD appreciates the community's cooperation during this emergency repair.
Capital Regional District Saanich Saanich Peninsula Thetis Lake Water Main Repair Water Conservation Trans Canada Highway
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