Water

Delivering Water from Source to Tap

Every year, the City of Campbell River treats and distributes more than 9.5 million cubic metres (9.5 billion litres) of water, drawn from Campbell River's water source at John Hart Lake.

We follow a multi-barrier approach of watershed protection, disinfection, monitoring and demand management. This approach to protecting, treating and distributing Campbell River's water supply helps us deliver tap water that meets our high standards — and yours.

Find out more about Campbell River's water-distribution system, including important information about alerts and restrictions, and how you can help protect and conserve the community's water supply.

Water Alerts and Restrictions Conservation Water System Water Quality Watershed Protection

Water Rates

Metered properties (generally commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-family) pay $0.80 per cubic meter of consumption. Single family home properties pay a flat fee of $40.20/month.

As water is a utility, all monies collected for water are required by legislation to be used for water. Portions of the utility fees collected are used for day-to-day operations, and portions are allocated for future capital improvements.

Water Metres

Water meters are currently required on all new construction or major building modifications, however single family residential and duplex properties pay a flat rate for water.

The City requires water service boxes be installed in new home construction. While many people refer to these boxes as water meter boxes, they also contain back flow prevention devices and shut-off valves. Installing the boxes in new construction is a cost-effective way to plan for the potential that water meters might be inserted at some point in the future.

Water Service Shut Off and Locate

Water Service Turn On/Off

To have your water service turned on or off, contact Dogwood Operations at 250-286-4033 during office hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. We require your name, phone number and address for the requested water shut-off and turn-on. Please allow us 48 hours' notice so that we can schedule the waterworks crew accordingly.

There is a $60 fee for the water shut-off, and an additional $60 for the turn-on, which must be paid in the Finance Department at City Hall, located at 301 St. Ann's Road.

Water Service Connection Locate

To locate your service connection, you will be charged at cost plus a 10 per cent administration fee.

We will attend during our regular working hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, to locate the valve, and turn the water off. The homeowner or plumber can call Dogwood Operations at 250-286-4033 when they are ready to have the water turned back on.

Emergency Water Shut-Off

For emergency water shut-off requests, contact Dogwood Operations at 250-286-4033 during office hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Emergency water shut-offs are invoiced at $280.

If the water shut-off is an after-hours emergency request (a water line break, for instance), please call our after-hours phone line at 250-287-7444, and someone will be dispatched to the site as soon as possible

Water Shutdown or Fire Hydrant Use

For permission to shut down part of the water system or use a fire hydrant in Campbell River, please apply for a Work on City Lands and Infrastructure Permit. For more information about the permit process, visit the Work on City Lands Permit page.

Water Leaks

If you have a water leak, Dogwood Operations Centre at 250-286-4033 (after-hour emergencies: 250-287-7444).

Drainage problems are often mistaken for water leaks. If water is coming out of the ground after heavy or continuous rainfall, it is unlikely to be a water leak. If the weather has been dry, the water coming up is likely a water leak.

Leaks that are between the water main and property lines are the City’s responsibility. Crews will turn off the water at the property shut-off valve to determine where the leak is. If the leak stops after closing the property shut-off valve, then the leak is on the homeowner’s side. The City does not repair leaks on private property. Various local plumbing companies provide this service.

If the leak is the City's responsibility, it will take an average of four to six days for repairs. In order to work safely, crews must receive proper permits and paper work first, which take approximately three days. If the leak is causing damage to property or creating significant risks to safety, the repair will be expedited.