Upgrading a city’s water system is extremely expensive, usually measured in the millions of (tax) dollars even in a small community. Since most water systems are designed with fireflows in mind, the distribution lines are sized larger than needed for residential use; increased use leads directly to increased cost in the form of new construction or increased metering.
Because Canada (and especially British Columbia) is covered with lakes and rivers, we tend to take water for granted, but the truth is most of it is unsafe to drink and must be disinfected. Naturally safe sources are relatively few. Every drop of water, whether we drink it or it goes down a drain, costs all of us money. Typically, less than 1% of municipal water is used for drinking.
High flow conditions in Terrace are caused by:
- Increased or unmonitored lawn watering
- Vehicle and driveway washing
- Unmetered leaks
Terrace’s Frank Street Well is a clean, safe source of water, but no source can deliver an unlimited supply of water. To eventually add another well would be very expensive, and should not be done until it is absolutely necessary—for drinking water and fire protection.
