HUDSON’S HOPE - Residents of Hudson’s Hope could be under a precautionary boil water notice later this summer as work continues on a major upgrade to the community’s water treatment system.
The District says equipment manufacturer Veolia will arrive on site August 4 to begin commissioning a new permanent clarifier at the water treatment plant.
The process involves testing the equipment to ensure it is operating properly and is expected to take about two weeks, with completion anticipated by August 14.
District officials say no water service interruptions are expected during this phase of the project.
Once the new clarifier is commissioned, the District will transition from its temporary clarifier to the new permanent system and begin the water quality testing required by Northern Health.
As a precaution, a boil water notice will be issued when the new clarifier begins operating.
The notice is expected to remain in place while testing is completed, a process the District estimates could take between two and four weeks.
The District says it will provide residents with additional notice once the start date for the boil water notice has been confirmed.
The latest milestone is part of a years-long effort to resolve persistent water quality challenges in the community.
The water challenges trace back to changes associated with BC Hydro’s Site C project.
In 2020, BC Hydro began constructing a shoreline protection berm in Hudson’s Hope to address erosion concerns linked to the Site C reservoir.
The project that prevented the District from continuing to draw water directly from the Peace River and prompted the move to a groundwater-based system.
BC Hydro later provided funding for the replacement water system and an additional $500,000 to help cover costs related to water treatment plant failures.
According to the District, deteriorating water quality in the wells resulted in repeated operational problems, increased maintenance requirements and public complaints about taste and odour.
The community experienced several boil water notices and do-not-consume orders over the following years as officials worked to address treatment issues.
In 2023, the District returned to using the Peace River as its primary water source through a temporary treatment system while plans were developed for a permanent solution.
The issue drew international attention in 2024 after residents spent months under drinking water restrictions.
A do-not-consume order that had been in place since August 2024 was finally lifted in October after corrective work was completed and water testing confirmed the system was producing safe drinking water.
Current upgrades include a permanent pumping system, new intake infrastructure and a District-owned clarifier designed to provide a long-term surface water treatment solution for the community.
Residents are being encouraged to monitor the District’s website and social media channels for future updates on the project and the timing of the upcoming boil water notice.