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Water main repair near Thetis Lake restores normal water use for Saanich Peninsula and parts of Saanich after a leak, with pressure returning and possible discoloration.
Residents on the Saanich Peninsula and in parts of Saanich can resume normal water use after a major regional water main near Thetis Lake was repaired. The District of Saanich said Saturday that the leak had been repaired and the water system was returning to normal operation.
The damaged section is along the Trans Canada Highway in View Royal, between the Island Highway and Six Mile Road overpasses. The 1.2-metre diameter transmission main is a key link in the regional water system, carrying water north to the Saanich Peninsula and serving a large portion of Saanich.
Impact of the Water Main Leak
While crews worked, water had to be redirected through another part of the system. That route has less capacity and lower pressure, making it difficult to meet demand during periods of heavier use.
The temporary strain prompted the CRD to ask residents to limit activities such as outdoor watering and washing vehicles while the repair was underway. In a release, the city of Saanich thanked residents for voluntarily reducing non-essential water use, saying these efforts helped stabilize water pressure in affected areas, preserve water for essential household needs and support the continued delivery of water to communities farther north on the Saanich Peninsula.
Water pressure should now return to normal in areas that experienced a drop during the repair. Some residents could see discolouration as the system settles. The CRD recommends running a cold-water tap until the water clears if this occurs.
The source of the leak has not yet been determined. The affected communities include Sidney, Central Saanich, North Saanich, W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) First Nation, SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation, BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin) First Nation and a portion of Saanich.
Background on the Regional Water System
The 1.2-metre diameter transmission main is a critical piece of infrastructure for the region. It serves as a primary conduit for water traveling north to the Saanich Peninsula and supplies a significant portion of Saanich.
When the leak was discovered, the Capital Regional District (CRD) and the District of Saanich coordinated emergency repairs. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the system when relying on secondary routes that have less capacity.
During the repair period, the CRD issued a call for voluntary water conservation. Residents were asked to avoid non-essential uses such as outdoor watering and vehicle washing to help maintain adequate pressure and supply.
Such measures are standard during major repairs on transmission mains, as redirecting water through smaller pipes can lead to pressure drops that affect all users on the system, especially during peak demand times.
What Residents Should Know
With repairs complete, normal water use can resume. However, some residents may notice temporary discolouration in their water as the system stabilizes. This is not uncommon after repairs and is typically caused by sediment disturbed in the pipes.
The CRD advises anyone experiencing discolouration to run a cold-water tap until the water runs clear. If the issue persists, residents should contact their local water provider.
The District of Saanich expressed appreciation for the community's cooperation during the repair. The voluntary reductions in water use helped stabilize pressure and ensured that essential household needs were met while crews worked.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the leak. Further investigations will be conducted to understand how the damage occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The affected communities include Sidney, Central Saanich, North Saanich, W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) First Nation, SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation, BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin) First Nation and a portion of Saanich.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local government channels for any updates regarding the water system.
Saanich Peninsula Water Main Repair Thetis Lake District Of Saanich CRD View Royal Trans Canada Highway
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