FAQs

The waterline replacement project is necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the current waterline infrastructure in the City of Prince Rupert. The existing waterlines have reached or exceeded their expected lifespan, leading to increased risks of leaks, breaks, and water quality issues. By replacing the aging infrastructure, the project aims to improve the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the water supply system, ensuring the continued delivery of safe and reliable drinking water to the community for years to come. 

The City is responsible for the waterline replacement project and anticipates contracting the work in phases. 

Yes, the project team will adhere to environmental regulations and best practices to minimize the project's impact on the environment. These measures encompass preventing soil erosion, effectively managing surface water, handling potential hazardous materials, and ensuring the appropriate disposal of waste materials generated throughout the project.

Water main breaks can occur due to several factors including age, corrosion, soil conditions, poor or outdated installation technique, and ground settlement. Over time, the aging of pipes can lead to weaknesses and eventual failures, while corrosion can weaken the structural integrity of the mains. Unfavorable soil conditions, such as loose soil or ground movement, can also exert pressure on the pipes causing damage or breakage. In Prince Rupert, the specifically acidic soil conditions associated with our climate is a factor in corrosion, as is the vintage of a significant proportion of pipes.

The waterline replacement project in Prince Rupert will be an ongoing effort focused on high-priority corridors. While the project's duration cannot be accurately determined, it is anticipated to span multiple years due to the extensive upgrades required.

Below are the approximate locations of the year 1 corridors. We aim to address: 

• Shawatlan Road – which is in progress
• Back half of Crestview
• Conrad and Victoria Street
• 11th Avenue
• Alfred and Bacon Street
• Areas of Hays Cove Ave
• And areas of 10th, 9th, 8th and 7th

Here is the map showing their location. Please note that during the design phase of this project, there may be slight adjustments based on new information received during planning and potentials to achieve efficiencies. 

We have multiple channels to keep you informed about the waterline replacement project. Our webpage will contain all relevant project information as well as regular updates on the current stage of the project. Additionally, we will send work notices through the mail as well as visit highly impacted households’ door-to-door prior to construction. Lastly, keep an eye out for physical signage indicating upcoming or ongoing construction in the area.

These notifications will provide you with all the necessary details, including the project's scope, timeline, and any potential impacts on residents. We strongly recommend staying informed through these communication channels so that you are aware of the waterline replacement activities taking place in your neighborhood.

The waterline replacement project will primarily focus on replacing high-priority city-owned water and sewer infrastructure and installing storm mains where required. This includes replacing water, sewer and storm services lines up to the property line as needed. The roadways above will also be replaced during corridor replacement works.    

Specifically, the program consists of:

• Replacement of Watermains in the roadway
• Replacement of failed Sewer systems in the roadway
• Installation of Storm Systems as required in the roadway
• And replacement or installation of new servicing to the property line where required.

To conserve money, we will complete this work as surgically as possible. We will look at trenchless technologies like relining or pipe bursting where they can be deployed (both ways of replacing the pipe without fully removing it first to minimize disruption). However, any way this work is completed, there will be service disruptions.

By upgrading these crucial components, the project aims to address the most critical areas of the water distribution system to ensure its integrity and reliability.

Apart from it being mandated by the Federal government, a separated system is far more efficient during wet weather, as stormwater can be directly deposited via a separate pipe/transfer system to a nearby water body instead of being transferred to our eventual treatment system.

The City must transition to wastewater treatment in the coming years, and as everyone knows, we are piloting a wetland system to treat our wastewater in the Moresby area. If this system meets Federal treatment guidelines, it will save the community in the neighborhood of $100M. However, these wetlands take up space and with the separation of the storm water -  the footprint will be drastically reduced to manageable sizes.

The project team will make every effort to prevent the water quality being compromised during the waterline replacement project; however, during construction on waterlines, both community wide and localized water use notices may be necessary. Regular testing and monitoring will be conducted to maintain the safety and quality of the drinking water supply and notifications will be sent out as needed. 

To sign up for localized emergency alerts pertaining to water quality, go to: https://princerupert.connectrocket.com. New lines will be flushed and chlorinated in accordance with Northern Health Regulations.

The waterline replacement project is expected to slightly improve both water pressure and flow in the affected areas; however, this is unlikely to be felt in any meaningful way at the tap or in your shower. Rather, the installation of new and upgraded water pipelines will contribute to better water distribution efficiency, resulting in improved pressure throughout the system, but not at the individual household level.

While efforts will be made to minimize disruptions, water service interruptions will occur during certain phases of the construction. In such cases, residents and businesses in the affected areas will be provided with advanced notice, typically in the form of door notices, to inform them of any planned water shut offs or changes in water availability. Temporary above-ground water access points will be established to provide continued access to water for outages lasting for extended periods of time, so that essential water needs are met during the construction period.

The waterline replacement process involves excavation to expose the old line, removal of the existing line, installation of the new line, connection to the existing network, backfilling the trench, compaction, and site restoration. Finally, water quality tests are conducted before reestablishing regular water supply.

The duration for replacing a waterline can vary depending on factors such as the size of the line, length of replacement, ground conditions, depth of bury, and the density of other buried infrastructure, resulting in construction corridors that may take several weeks to several months to complete. Once new construction corridors are announced, an estimated timeline will be provided; however, it is crucial to understand that these dates are subject to change and are intended to offer a rough estimate of the expected work duration.

A variety of different types and ages of pipes will be replaced including Ductile Iron, Copper, Wood, PVC, HDPE, and Concrete. 

The new pipes will be a combination of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pipes. These materials have proven to be durable, reliable, and commonly used in modern water distribution systems. Our aim is to ensure a robust and long-lasting solution for the waterline replacement in your neighborhood.

During the construction period, traffic will be impacted due to lane closures and detours that will be put in place to facilitate the work. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of both motorists and construction crews. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, follow posted signage, and plan their routes accordingly to minimize any inconveniences caused by the temporary traffic disruptions.

Before we start doing the work, we will be conducting designs and investigative work in advance in the different neighbourhoods. During the investigation phase, which we will be starting very soon:

• We do not suspect much disturbance.
• You will see survey  and paint marks everywhere
• There may be some detours for geotechnical investigation 
• You may observe some camera work in the pipes and,
• Overall activity on the streets (comings and goings) from the on-the-ground construction and design teams

If the water and/or sewer lines in your neighbourhood are being replaced, you will experience the following disruptions during the course of construction:

• Prolonged boil water notices
• Dust and/or muddy conditions
• Traffic bypasses
• Access to driveways may be temporarily lost 
• Streets may be left in gravel states until paving windows
• Augmented solid waste pick up – likely dumpster service.

Construction projects also often involve noise and some disruptions. However, the project team will make efforts to minimize noise and disruptions. Construction schedules may be planned to avoid sensitive hours or areas, and residents will be notified in advance about any potential noise or disruptions outside of City Noise Bylaws.

Households with restricted access due to ongoing construction will continue to have their garbage and recycling collected. Recycling bags will be provided to affected households and City staff will collect all waste manually. An on-site dumpster or other options may also be provided.

This will need to be assessed on a case by case basis. Addressing each area of the community will start with a design process first. Where it makes sense, we may be able to conduct more fulsome repairs, however circumstances may vary. 

We will make sure that we are not doubling the work. Anything that we do will be left so that it can be efficiently tied into once the construction is in that area. 

Parking availability on the street may be affected during the waterline replacement construction. Depending on the specific work being conducted, temporary parking restrictions or closures may be implemented in the construction zones for safety and logistical reasons. It is advisable to closely follow any parking guidelines or signage provided to avoid any inconvenience or potential towing of vehicles. Where boats and trailers are parked on street, they will need to be moved off the street during the construction timeframe. 

Efforts will be made to minimize disruptions and provide alternative parking options whenever feasible.

To safely replace the infrastructure, a clear and accessible right of way must be maintained. Existing city rights-of-way or roadways will be utilized for the majority of the work. where sheds or landscaping improvements have been done on city property, it will likely be necessary that structures, trees, and/or landscape improvements be removed from city-owned property so that the project can be completed safely. If you are concerned about your property, please notify the project team who can assess the situation, discuss possibilities, and coordinate work. However, it is important to note that the Project will neither provide reimbursement for removal of or undertake restoration of private installations within City right of way.

Your driveway may be affected if your households water service valve is located within your driveway. In such cases, necessary measures will be taken to ensure that all affected driveways are restored to the standard set by the City of Prince Rupert. This means that any disruptions or modifications to driveways will be addressed and restored to a common standard as part of the project's guidelines and requirements.

Please watch for notices related to the project in your neighborhood. Follow all public safety recommendations in the construction zones and be patient as this critical work progresses. The intent of the project team is to minimize disruptions to the public whenever possible. If you have encroached onto City property with any personal items, it is recommended to remove them in advance of the work. If you are concerned about the age and deterioration of your household pipes, it is recommended that you have a certified plumber review your personal water infrastructure prior to the construction start.

Let us know if you or anyone in your household has a disability or accessibility needs so that we are aware and can work to coordinate appropriate supports. Notices will also be sent directly to households asking for this information to be provided. The City will also be engaging with local stakeholders like the health care sector and emergency response to ensure that we are working together to support residents.

Yes, you should still be able to use your appliances and fixtures during the waterline replacement project, except during any temporary water shut offs. Advanced notice will be provided for any planned interruptions, and temporary water access will be arranged to minimize inconvenience.

Unfortunately, no. Please move any boats or trailers off the street and be aware that you may not have access if your driveway is affected. 

Throughout the project, various communication channels will be utilized to inform you about important project details and impacts. All relevant information can be found on the project webpage, work notices, physical signage, social media updates, and information sessions. Additional communication channels may be utilized as needed.

The project team will coordinate with other utilities, such as gas, electricity, and telecommunications providers, to minimize conflicts and provide as smooth an implementation of the waterline replacement project as possible. Collaborative efforts will be made to avoid disruption of other utility services during the project.

Regular updates about the project's progress and any changes will be provided through various communication channels. These include the project webpage, work notices, physical signage, social media updates, information sessions, and additional communication channels as needed.

If you have any issues or concerns related to the waterline replacement project, you can reach out to the project team through the provided contact information in notices provided to impacted households at the time of construction. 

They will assist you and address any questions or concerns you may have.