The Surfside region north of Qualicum Beach has been experiencing issues with the quality of their water.
The community is in Electoral Area G (French Creek, San Pareil, Little Qualicum, Englishman River) of the Regional District of Nanaimo and is under the Surfside Water Service Area, which provides water from two groundwater wells located nearby.
Area director Lehann Wallace has taken steps to help address the water concerns of the community. At the Electoral Area Services Committee meeting on Dec. 6, Wallace made a motion to have $104,000 from the Electoral Area G Community Work Funds be allocated to the Surfside Water Service Area and to include it in the 2025-209 financial plan.
"I believe the committee is aware of the water supply quality issues that Surfside has experienced regarding saltwater intrusion of the aquifer that feeds this water service area at the Little Qualicum Estuary," said Wallace. "And so looking to proceed with a project that provides a more sustainable water supply for this water service area."
Wallace pointed out some homes in the Surfside area still do not have smart meters. She made a motion to have $21,000 from the Electoral Area G Community Works Funds earmarked for supplying and installation of smart meters in the Surfside area.
"This is a twofold initiative," said Wallace. "One, it's an operational tool to set parameters for leak detection and it also will become in the future, a tool for residents to monitor water use to avoid sticker shock for water bills."
Wallace said she is relying on RDN staff recommendations that smart meters are useful tools for operations of the water services.
The EASC endorsed both of Wallace's motion and will be included in the RDN's budget deliberations.
