The District of Oak Bay provides safe, reliable drinking water to residents and businesses. Drinking water originates from the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) reservoirs at Sooke Lake and Goldstream Lake.
Water enters Oak Bay’s distribution system from a CRD supply main at the intersection of Lansdowne and Foul Bay Road. Once in Oak Bay’s system, water travels through approximately 115 kilometres of water mains.
The system includes:
- Approximately 115 km of water mains
- Pipe sizes ranging from 500 mm (20") to 38 mm (1.5")
- Two pressure reducing valves
- Four booster pump stations
Water Main Flushing
Why do we flush water mains?
Flushing helps clean pipes of sediments that build up over time. This is done by using valves to force water at high speeds through the water system. Flushing improves water quality, chlorine residual and helps overall operation of the water system, identifying problem areas.
Where does the water go?
Water is dechlorinated and flushed into the District’s storm drains, flowing into catch basins and eventually returning to the ocean.
Flushing is integral for even dead-end water mains, as water can stagnate in these mains causing a build-up of sediment. Flushing these mains ensure the stagnant water is removed and replaced with fresh water from the treatment plant.
Water Quality Reports
Oak Bay publishes an annual Water Quality Report, which outlines the results of water quality sampling and also outlines maintenance to the water system.
Additional Information
What is Chlorine Residual and are Chloramines safe?
The CRD drinking water is disinfected with sodium hypochlorite and liquid ammonia at the Goldstream Water Treatment plant. These chemicals combine to form chloramine, which helps ensure the water stays safe as it travels through the pipes to the taps in your house. “Chlorine residual” refers to the amount of chloramine still in the water at locations far from the treatment plant.
Chloramines have no harmful effect on the human body in the concentrations administered to the drinking water (< 3.0 mg/L)
Why does the District have so many dead-end mains? Is there a plan to replace them?
The oldest pipes in Oak Bay’s system were installed over 100 years ago, when the District had a much smaller population and when less was known about water quality and distribution. As part of Oak Bay’s annual capital plan, we are constantly evaluating pipe sizes and eliminating dead ends wherever possible.
Does Flushing Waste Water?
Flushing is necessary to ensure high-quality drinking water, and protect our water distribution system. Flushing must occur after a main is repaired to ensure that no sediment or contaminants have entered the pipes. Given the quality of the water, this water cannot be re-used for other purposes.
What Materials are pipes made of, and is the material safe?
Oak Bay’s water pipes mainly consist of two classes of material – iron, and asbestos cement.
Health Canada and the World Health Organization have concluded that there is no consistent, convincing evidence that asbestos ingested through water is harmful to your health.