New Water Source - Collector Well System

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In January 2017, Abbotsford and Mission began a water source supply study to explore options for a new water source for the communities of Abbotsford and Mission. The recommended option is to add a collector well system.

Collector wells capture groundwater from an underground aquifer near the river. This groundwater undergoes a natural filtering process through the soil, followed by water quality improvements to create high quality, safe and efficient water service to residents of both communities.

The collector well is a good option because it can grow as the population increases and is the most affordable and efficient solution for a new water source.

Find out how collector wells are an affordable, sustainable and a flexible solution for both communities and how the project will be implemented over the coming years.

In January 2017, Abbotsford and Mission began a water source supply study to explore options for a new water source for the communities of Abbotsford and Mission. The recommended option is to add a collector well system.

Collector wells capture groundwater from an underground aquifer near the river. This groundwater undergoes a natural filtering process through the soil, followed by water quality improvements to create high quality, safe and efficient water service to residents of both communities.

The collector well is a good option because it can grow as the population increases and is the most affordable and efficient solution for a new water source.

Find out how collector wells are an affordable, sustainable and a flexible solution for both communities and how the project will be implemented over the coming years.

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    Hello again.....that's precisely why I am asking the question.....It seems to me that it is an expense with no guarantee of effectiveness, and I suspect considerable expense which could could be used for ozonation and UV treatments instead of risking quake damage or other contaminants hidden below the surface and being brought into the flow after staying buried for years........I don't understand the logic in this and again I refer to Eastern Canada and Montreal as just one example.....

    BMCI asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your questions, direct removal of water from the Fraser River was looked at but has its own challenges in terms of Geotechnical, River morphology in order to install an intake structure in the River. Additional, the treatment requirements and long term maintenance would increase significantly with using the water directly from the Fraser River as filtration would be required on top of any other treatment methods. Using the Collector well at the River Bank provides filtration. Prior to Implementing the collector well we are undertaking Hydro Geotechnical studies to ensure that the wells will work and that the water quality is good. Through these studies other options may present themselves.

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    Why isn't the Fraser River being tapped as a continuous and seemingly unending source for water. I am originally from Montreal and the St Lawrence River is and was the main water source for many cities in Eastern Canada in spite of being one of the most polluted at one time. Filtration and treatment methods are known and proven world wide.....What is the issue with not using and treating Fraser River water....?

    BMCI asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for Your question. The Collector Well solution at the Fraser River is using the water from the river as it hydraulically linked to the River. It uses the river bed and sand as it's first method of filtration. and then it treated at a treatment plant afterwards.

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    Just curious as to what additives will be added to the water... Flouride is poison and there are many studies explaining how it negatively impacts our wellbeing... please keep our water as clean as possible! Thank you :)

    Laurie Patterson asked almost 5 years ago

    Thank you for your inquiry regarding the New Water Source Collector Well Project. As we are at the initial stages of the Project we are obtaining water quality data to inform us on the treatment process required. All water produced will meet that Canadian Guidelines for Drinking Water. The Regional Water System does not currently add Fluoride to the water and there is currently no intent to add fluoride to the water.


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    Will this system tap into existing aquifers that do not have current well, extract water (via seepage) from the Fraser? The description is short on explanation (I realize there is limited space above!). What is the starting capacity? Thanks!

    binobidder asked almost 5 years ago

    Thank you for your Interest in the New Water Source – Collector Well Project.  The proposed Project is for an initial amount of 25MLD (Megalitres per day) and be able to expand to 50MLD in the Future. The Collector Well is placed near the Fraser River. This aquifer is under the influence of the Fraser River. This Intent of the Collector Well is that and draws water from the aquifer that is fed from the Fraser River that water is naturally filtered through the riverbank. As we finalize our background research and testing for the Collector Wells, the summaries and reports will be shared here.


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    Albeit the collector wells may have some natural filtering as noted, this area water varies in mineral content considerably to the extent that it is really not potable without additional and expensive secondary filtering. This relates to the shallow sand wells and to some extent the deeper wells. Once below the 150-foot depth, the water is generally much better. What kind of flow rates are desired and is draw-down being considered when connecting to active aquifers, given the area water is used in farming operaitons?

    Memoresto asked almost 5 years ago

    Thank you for your Interest in the New Water Source – Collector Well Project.  The proposed Project is for an initial amount of 25MLD (Megalitres per day) and be able to expand to 50MLD in the Future. The next steps for the project is to install several vertical wells in the area in order to perform long term pump tests so that the local aquifer can be modeled and ensure that they Aquifer in the area can support the Collector Well. As we finalize our background research and testing for the Collector Wells, the summaries and reports will be shared here.


Page last updated: 06 Sep 2023, 03:55 PM