Timeline of the Greater Victoria Water System

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Timeline of the Greater Victoria Water System

The Greater Victoria Water System is a complex network of reservoirs, treatment facilities, and distribution infrastructure that supplies potable water to the Greater Victoria area in British Columbia, Canada. The system has evolved significantly since its inception, adapting to the growing population and increasing demand for clean water. Below is a detailed timeline of the key events and developments in the history of the Greater Victoria Water System.

19th Century

• 1843: The establishment of Fort Victoria by the Hudson's Bay Company marks the beginning of the need for a reliable water supply in the area.
• 1863: The first formal water supply system is constructed, drawing water from Spring Ridge to serve the growing population of Victoria.
• 1873: The Victoria Water Works Company is formed to manage the water supply, introducing wooden pipes to distribute water.

Early 20th Century

• 1903: The Sooke Reservoir is completed, significantly increasing the water supply capacity for the region.
• 1915: The Capital Regional District (CRD) is established, taking over the management of the water system from the Victoria Water Works Company.
• 1920: The construction of the Goldstream Reservoir further enhances the water supply infrastructure.

Mid 20th Century

• 1957: The Japan Gulch Treatment Plant is commissioned, introducing modern water treatment processes to ensure the safety and quality of the water supply.
• 1967: The Sooke Flowline is completed, providing a direct pipeline from the Sooke Reservoir to the Japan Gulch Treatment Plant.

Late 20th Century

• 1982: The Humpback Reservoir is added to the system, providing additional storage capacity.
• 1997: The Sooke Lake Reservoir undergoes significant expansion to meet the increasing demand from the growing population.

21st Century

• 2004: The Leech River Watershed is acquired by the CRD, securing future water supply sources for the region.
• 2010: The Sooke Lake Reservoir reaches its current capacity of 92.7 million cubic meters, ensuring a stable water supply for the foreseeable future.
• 2015: The Goldstream Water Treatment Plant is upgraded to include advanced filtration and disinfection technologies.

Future Developments

• The CRD continues to explore new technologies and infrastructure improvements to ensure the sustainability and reliability of the Greater Victoria Water System.

See Also

• Greater Victoria
• Capital Regional District
• Sooke Reservoir
• Goldstream Reservoir
• Japan Gulch Treatment Plant
• Leech River Watershed