Residents on the Saanich Peninsula and in parts of Saanich can resume normal water use after a major regional water main near Thetis Lake was repaired. The District of Saanich said Saturday the leak had been repaired and the water system was returning to normal operation. The damaged section is along the Trans Canada Highway in View Royal, between the Island Highway and Six Mile Road overpasses. The 1.2-metre diameter transmission main is a key link in the regional water system, carrying water north to the Saanich Peninsula and serving a large portion of Saanich. While crews worked, water had to be redirected through another part of the system. That route has less capacity and lower pressure, making it difficult to meet demand during periods of heavier use. The temporary strain prompted the CRD to ask residents to limit activities such as outdoor watering and washing vehicles while the repair was underway. “Thank you to Saanich residents for voluntarily reducing non-essential water use while repairs were underway. These efforts helped stabilize water pressure in affected areas, preserve water for essential household needs and support the continued delivery of water to communities farther north on the Saanich Peninsula,” the city of Saanich said in a release. Water pressure should now return to normal in areas that experienced a drop during the repair. Some residents could see discolouration as the system settles. The CRD recommends running a cold-water tap until the water clears if this occurs. The source of the leak has not yet been determined. The affected communities include Sidney, Central Saanich, North Saanich, W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) First Nation, SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation, BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin) First Nation and a portion of Saanich.
