City returns to Level 3 restriction status, encourages water conservation from residents and businesses.
MERRITT, BC – In the morning of Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the City of Merritt’s Voght Well (which houses two of the City’s five water pumps) had a significant failure that has affected the City of Merritt’s water distribution system. A gasket burst, spraying high-pressure water throughout the pumphouse, causing damage to the electrical system, and forcing the City to shut down these two important wells.
REPAIR STATUS
Crews were able to replace the gasket and conduct high-pressure testing to place the pipe back in service on Tuesday, July 9, but were advised to allow the electrical system to dry before testing and repair. After allowing the electrical system to dry for 48 hours, the electrical engineer conducted testing on Thursday, July 11, 2024. The testing work identified that some electrical components failed. While these pumps are now functional, the electrical system for water treatment is not yet working. Crews are working on sourcing materials and establishing timelines for a complete repair. These two wells will not be put back into service until the water treatment system is functional.
WATER SUPPLY STATUS
Thankfully, the City had been able to put the recently repaired Collettville Pump Station into service and increase output levels of all the three remaining waterpumps, to compensate for this supply deficit, and provide all residents with clean, potable water.
The conservation efforts of all residents, and the diligent work of our expert staff and contractors, have enabled the City to fill the reservoirs and maintain full supply levels during this time of disruption. While the City still needs to work on the failed systems, it is expected that the City will be able to maintain normal service in the short term.
RISK OF LOW WATER SUPPLY
Please keep in mind that the City is not back to full operational capacity. However, in the event of an emergency, the City is now able to deal with any urgent water supply issues, such as to extinguish a fire.
Also keep in mind that since the City is currently only running three of its five wells, the City does not currently have a back-up supply of potable water, if any new pump failures occur.
RETURN TO NORMAL SERVICE LEVELS
The City is returning to Level 3 Water Restrictions, limiting lawn watering to two times a week. Residents are always encouraged to practice water conservation efforts. For example, while lawn watering is allowed two times a week, residents may choose to limit their lawn watering to one time a week, or allow their lawns to go dormant.
