The majority of the City of Campbell River receives its water from a watershed. This watershed includes:
- John Hart Lake
- McIvor Lake
- Lower Campbell River
- Upper Campbell River
- Buttle Lakes
- other streams and creeks
The Main Water System supply, from John Hart Lake, is transferred through three B.C. Hydro penstocks from the John Hart dam. It is then diverted into the City’s main water supply lines. The City also takes water directly from John Hart Lake through a submerged intake line near the Snowden Forest Pump Station.
The City strives to protect its water sources. Watershed protection will ensure safe, high quality water and limit water treatment costs.
In 2001, the John Hart Watershed was designated as a community watershed under the Forest Practices Code. As such, motorized access and camping is not permitted. This is enforced by the Ministry of Forests and Range.
In the same year, the City completed the first Watershed Management Plan. It provides policy direction for managing the watershed for the benefit of the community through risk assessment and remediation identification. Since then, the Watershed Management Plan has been updated as necessary.
The Watershed Management Plan is currently being updated and will be posted here once available.