COURTENAY, B.C- The water system in the Comox Valley is fully operational again.
According to the Comox Valley Regional District, Stage 4 water restrictions that were put in place from April 12th to last night at midnight for an emergency repair to the district’s water system are now no longer in effect.
“The community was placed on the highest level of water restrictions for the duration of the repair in order to maintain sufficient water flows for vital indoor and firefighting water needs,” read a release from the district.
“The Comox Valley Reginal District (CVRD) would like to thank the community for doing their part to conserve water and ensure the system continued to be available for essential services.”
Marc Rutten, the district’s General Manager of Engineering Services, said that the restrictions had a big impact on the community.
“Stage 4 is reserved for emergencies, and we really depended on the community to help out in this case,” said Rutten.
“We really can’t thank residents and businesses enough for cutting back on water use for the duration of the repair.”
The repair was needed for the water system’s main line, forcing the Valley to rely on a single smaller pipe for the duration of the work. That work was complex, involving the installation of new valves to re-route water, and the use of a diver to weld the inside of the water-filled main line pipe.
“The whole repair team did a fantastic job,” said Mike Herschmiller, Manager of Water Services, in the release.
“The leak was repaired on time, without compromising worker safety. Even though there was only one diver in the pipe at a time, their welding team was there guiding the diver, supporting them the whole time and ensuring the repairs went as safely and smoothly as possible.”
“Once the welding was complete, we took additional time to thoroughly inspect, flush, and disinfect the line. Samples were then taken and sent to the lab to ensure that the water was safe before putting the transmission main back in operation.”
A link to the video detailing the repair process released by the district can be found below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=KdQH9Z6QKlk
