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1. Are we joining Metro Vancouver’s water system?

No. One of the reasons is because Metro Vancouver’s water system uses chlorine as a secondary disinfectant. Unfortunately, chlorine will react with the manganese that has built up in our water distribution system for decades, as the previous water utility providers did not address the naturally occurring manganese from the source (aquifer), which has built up in the 80 kilometres of piping in the system.

When chlorine reacts with manganese, the result is discoloured water. We have found the level of discoloration is simply unacceptable

2. Why won’t the City just turn on the connection?

It is not feasible for any connection to the Metro Vancouver water system to be made before 2019 at the earliest.

3. How much would it cost to join Metro Vancouver’s system?

The City would also need to purchase property, build a pump station on Surrey property at South Surrey Athletic Park, and construct distribution lines to get the water to both Oxford and Merklin reservoirs and pay Metro Vancouver for the cost of the water.

Metro Vancouver would need to perform upstream improvements to their system to meet the additional population demand and the City would be required to pay for these improvements as well as the water. The City would also have no control over replacement and expansion plans and would also be responsible for a percentage of any capital expenditures for any upgrades or expansions throughout the system in any jurisdiction in Metro Vancouver.

Joining Metro Vancouver would require ongoing operating payments by City of White Rock to Metro Vancouver of approximately $1.5 million dollars each year. The approximate $25 million cost difference when looking at joining the Metro Vancouver water system and maintaining our own system.

4. What benefit does White Rock get out of owning a utility?

Acquiring the water utility gives White Rock control over the future of the City’s water supply, including the ability to make quick decisions to address/enhance the City’s water quality.

5. Where can I find out more information?

Find out more about the City and the Greater Vancouver investigation into options to receive the water supply from the Greater Vancouver Water District Public Release - City of White Rock Water Supply Analysis Reports (PDF).