Duhamel Water System

Size and number of connections

The system services 93 active connections.

Location

The system is located in the community of Duhamel, on the north shore of the west arm of Kootenay Lake. Duhamel is within RDCK Electoral Area F.

Source

The Duhamel system draws water from a 156-foot well. The area’s aquifer is designated as being of high- to moderate-vulnerability due to moderate levels of development. The source area is classified as a Community Watershed.

System Description

Insufficient information exists regarding the date when this system was first developed; however, some system components were upgraded in 2005.

Treatment

Because the system draws from a groundwater source that is not under the direct influence of surface water, no filtration or disinfection is required. Historic sampling has confirmed that water quality from the Duhamel system is consistently high.

Storage

The system includes a 454,000 litre concrete reservoir. This level of capacity meets existing water demands in the area and could support moderate growth.

Distribution System

The distribution system is gravity fed from the reservoir. As a result, in the summer watering season, portions of the network at higher elevation are prone to low pressure problems. Reports suggest that the distribution infrastructure is in good shape but at half its expected lifespan.

Fire-fighting

The system does not meet standardized requirements for fire protection.

Significant Issues

A significant proportion of water system infrastructure is situated on privately-owned land in Duhamel. The RDCK is working to establish Right-of-Way agreements with property owners to ensure that utilities staff are able to legally access all aspects of the system in order to perform maintenance, upgrades, or emergency works.

Plans for Future Upgrades

No upgrades are planned for the near future.

Governance

This system is currently owned and operated by the RDCK. The RDCK receives community-specific advice and policy guidance from the Duhamel Water Commission.  A network of volunteers operates and maintains the system.