Crystal clear: clean drinking water for a refreshed remote community
At a glance
GHD collaborated with the Bonaparte First Nation, Indigenous Services Canada and contractors (Clearflo Solutions Inc and Progrus Constructors) to upgrade the communities water treatment infrastructure. The project secured two water supply sources, two containerized water treatment plants and a water distribution network to deliver clean drinking water to clusters of remote homes. The project successfully provided clean drinking water that meets federal guidelines, setting a model for future water solutions in remote areas.
The challenge
Located in the traditional territory of the St’uxwtews, in and around Cache Creek BC, the Bonaparte First Nation community faced significant challenges with contaminated water sources and outdated drinking water infrastructure within remote parts of the community.
In this community in British Columbia, houses are grouped in small clusters spread kilometers apart, making a centralised water system impractical, adding to the complexity of providing clean water.
Therefore, GHD had to come up with a decentralized design, that considered the available water source and community scale and growth ambitions. The location and deployment of the water system was within each community and required involvement of the community members in the process.
Our response
GHD’s team of specialists addressed the technical aspects of the challenges while including a collaborative spirit to tailor to the community’s specific needs.
First, GHD recommended stepping back to test additional wells and assess potential water sources, including a nearby creek, to address gaps in water quality and yield from existing wells. The GHD team relied heavily on the local community’s knowledge of the area and worked closely with community members through regular meetings to identify utilities and assist with system layout during design. Investigative excavation (test-pitting) provided additional insights during construction.
Since the houses are separated by long distances, each home required a visit to identify the unique plumbing challenges. GHD visited individual homes to understand each system and developed the best approach for connecting each household to the new drinking water system. The design and development of containerized treatment units offered a flexible and functional solution to the community.
GHD worked with Clearflo Solution Inc. who designed and installed two water treatment plants that were connected to the source water, water distribution system and electrical service. The plants are equipped with solar and stand-by power to maintain operation during adverse weather events. GHD completed the assessment and design of the well clusters, water distribution system and treatment plants, equipped with underground cisterns for water storage.
The impact
The Bonaparte First Nation can now enjoy clean drinking water and improved sanitary and health conditions thanks to the drinking water plant that caters to the extensive community.
The implementation of containerized treatment units allowed easy access for all households, providing clean and safe water without a centralized system. The new water system, including the additional wells and the extended treated water main, has modernized the infrastructure, making it more reliable and efficient.
The success of the project has set a model for future water solutions, particularly in remote areas where traditional centralized solutions may not be practical. It has also strengthened relationships within the community and with external partners.