French Creek, BC

We began serving our customers in the French Creek area in May 2006, following approval by the British Columbia Water Comptroller for the purchase of the water utility from Breakwater Utilities Ltd.

French Creek serves those living within the Regional District of Nanaimo between the City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. The Regional District of Nanaimo handles the French Creek wastewater collection and treatment.

In 2011, we implemented the "uniform rate" water conservation rate structure (a uniform rate is one that remains constant for all metered consumption of water on a year-round basis).

The Community Advisory Panel (CAP) meets three times a year and includes representation from customers, community and stakeholder groups. This group provides valuable input on various issues that impact customers and/or the local community.

About the system infrastructure

• Water consumption - 680 million litres annually (2009)
• Normal daily water demand - 340 litres/per person, per day (2009)

Water treatment plant

• Class III Water Treatment Plant
• Greensand filtration plant (since 2008) to deal with high iron and manganese content in one well
• Seven water storage reservoirs
• New reservoir built at Church Road location in 2011 increased storage volumes by 25%

Distribution and transmission

• Class II Water Distribution System
• Booster station pump house
• 30 km of AC, PVC and polyethylene piping
• 31 air and/or vacuum release valves
• 361 mainline valves
• 168 fire hydrants and 14 standpipes
• Metered service

Environmental considerations

Water system affected

• 16 ground water wells​