Chawathil Water System Upgrades

This project involved upgrading the water system on Chawathil IR4.  Chawathil IR4 is one of the Chawathil First Nation’s populated reserves, located near Hope, BC.

The drinking water system on Chawathil IR4 did not meet water source protection guidelines laid out by the Government of Canada, creating health and safety concerns for the community.  The system relied on only one well to supply water. Therefore the community was at risk of running out of water if they had any issues with their only water source.  The well was also at high risk of contamination due to nearby septic systems and potential flooding from a nearby river.  The reservoir and a portion of the waterline were located off-reserve, which presented challenges whenever the community wanted to maintain or expand this water infrastructure.

Chawathil First Nation retained DNA to provide Design and Construction Engineering Services for the project.  This water system was upgraded in 2018 and included: connecting a new back-up well to the water distribution network; constructing a new pumphouse with a separate room for treating the water; installing a new dedicated water supply line from the new pumphouse to the existing reservoir; expanding the existing right-of-way corridor located off-reserve to include the access road and new water supply main; upgrading the access road to the pumphouse and reservoir to improve access and reduce maintenance requirements, and improving fire protection in the community.

DNA is proud to have worked with Chawathil First Nation to design and build a water system that provides access to safe and reliable water for community members.