On May 30, 2024, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) received approval by the Regional Board to initiate exploratory water well drilling in Rose Prairie. The goal is to locate a new raw water source near the existing Rose Prairie station that can be treated using the treatment process in the existing station.
Roadmap Ahead
The PRRD hired a qualified professional consultant who has finished the background research of existing aquifers in the area. The next step is to complete exploratory water wells, assess the volume of water that can be extracted and test the water for treatability. After exploration, the final report findings and recommendations for future actions will be presented to the Electoral Area Directors Committee (EADC).
Proposed Action Plan for 2024
- Line Locating and Notifications: June 2024
- Exploratory Drilling and Pump Testing: July 2024
- Well Development, Flow Rate Testing and Water Testing: July 2024
- Data Analysis, Technical Assessments and Reporting: August to September 2024
- Report to EADC: October 2024
Past Challenges
Originally, the Rose Prairie Water Station in Electoral Area ‘B’ was set to open on February 21, 2021. However, the discovery of explosive gas levels in the treatment storage tank and well casing led to a delay. Further tests confirmed persistent gas presence and low oxygen levels in the pump house.
In response, the PRRD organized a virtual town hall for Rose Prairie residents, facilitating direct communication and project information sharing. At the same time, the Regional Board commissioned a feasibility study to identify potential locations for a new water station in the Rose Prairie area.
The PRRD assessed various alternatives, each with distinct timelines and costs.
Progress
Currently, a qualified professional consulting firm, hired by the PRRD, has completed a feasibility study and reviewed the existing well. The consultant proposed that there is potential of accessing a different underground water aquifer by drilling a new well close to the existing water station location. It is suggested that a new well could meet the area’s water flow and treatability requirements.
It is recommended that exploratory drilling and water quality testing for up to three boreholes be conducted. If a borehole is adequate in water quality and quantity, it may allow for further development of the borehole into a regulatory standard water well for use with the existing Rose Prairie bulk fill water treatment station.
Quick Facts
- There are five potable water station locations in Electoral Area ‘B’ of the PRRD.
- Each station offers a tank loader and a small bottle fill available 24 hours a day.
- The Rose Prairie station is situated at 15615 259 Road, North Pine. However, its opening has been delayed.
For more information, please visit the PRRD website or contact Environmental Services at environmental.services@prrd.bc.ca or 250-784-3200.
