MACARTHUR REEDMAN
MARCH 2026
WATER SYSTEM
WWW.CSRD.BC.CA
Upgrades needed On August 13, 2025, CSRD staff and the Area Director, hosted a public meeting for MacArthur Reedman Water System users. The purpose was to discuss the need for upgrades to the lake water supply intake. The upgrade costs are greater than the available reserve and grant funds. This funding shortfall will need to be addressed in order to move the project forward. Continued high demand on the system during the summer makes it difficult to operate the Filtration Treatment Facility in compliance with Interior Health requirements. If you were unable to attend the meeting and would like a copy of the presentation, please email your request to EUS@CSRD.BC.CA
Use the QR code to access your water system’s report card. www.csrd.bc.ca 250-832-8194
The cost of upgrading the lake water intake In 2026, the total cost for water services in the MacArthur Reedman water service area is $1,427 for each household (Parcel Tax $412 and User Fee $1,015). In order to raise the necessary funds for the repairs required to re-establish the lake intake, the CSRD is proposing to borrow $650,000, and repay the loan over 25 years. This option was determined based on feedback from MacArthur Reedman water users. Loan repayment will increase future parcel tax rates. It is estimated that future projected total annual costs for household water services in 2027 will increase to $1,652 (Parcel Tax $535/User Fee $1,117) and $2,004 (Parcel Tax $775/User Fee $1,229) in 2028. Beyond 2028, no significant cost increases are projected. For more information on the intake reestablishment project, cost break downs and parcel tax vs. user fees, please visit the CSRD’s website for the MacArthur Reedman water service. (See QR code.)
Parcel tax vs. User fees What’s the difference? Think of it like owning a car. Parcel taxes are used to buy the car itself and user fees fund the costs to keep the car running, like putting gas in the tank. For a CSRD water system, the parcel tax funds equipment replacement or system upgrades, as well as any debt that is necessary to buy it. Water user fees fund operating expenses to keep the water system running.
Approval of the electors using the Alternative Approval Process The process to obtain approval of the electors of the MacArthur Reedman Water System will be an Alternative Approval Process, scheduled to start on April 13, 2026. The CSRD is proposing an Alternate Approval Process (AAP) instead of an assent vote (referendum) to obtain elector approval to borrow the necessary funds to carry out the project. It means: If you support the proposal, you don’t have to do anything. If you oppose the proposal, you must submit a signed Elector Response Form by the deadline. If 10% or more of eligible electors submit forms opposing the proposal, the matter will go to an assent vote (referendum). If fewer than 10% oppose, the CSRD may proceed with the borrowing process. The rules for determining elector eligibility and details on how to submit a response will be shared on the CSRD website, social media, and via the CSRD Public Notices email subscriber list, prior to any deadlines for submitting a response.
MACARTHUR REEDMAN
MARCH 2026 WWW.CSRD.BC.CA
Take a tour! Due to the overwhelming interest expressed at the public meeting, CSRD staff will host tours at the Water Treatment Facility located at 3404 Roncastle Road on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 12 PM (Noon) to 6 PM. Drop by and learn more about your water system, proposed lake intake upgrade and high-use demand challenges.
WATER SYSTEM
You’ve created a water conservation success story! We are happy to report that we were able to maintain operation of the system’s filtration treatment through this entire summer of 2025. That has not been possible for the previous five years. We thank all the MacArthur-Reedman Water System users for reducing their use! We believe the implementation of the CSRD’s new Multi-Stage Water Restrictions, cooler weather and the support of the community in putting those rules into action, made it possible to keep the system running safely and effectively. Residents also stepped up to conserve when a water pump failed in the Upper Zone, requiring an emergency pump replacement. Unfortunately, conserving water alone will not fix the problem with the lake water intake infrastructure. Stage 2 Water Restrictions started on the MacArthur Reedman system on June 9, 2025 and went back to Stage 1 on October 1, 2025. It is likely restrictions will be needed again this summer.
Here’s why it’s important to keep conserving our water Safety. We all want a safe, reliable water supply in our homes. Sufficient water in our reservoirs means water is available to the community for essential purposes. No one wants a loss of water service to MacArthur Reedman residents. Cost. When water demands are high, it puts a strain on the system’s infrastructure. This means more frequent, costly repairs and a reduced lifespan for equipment. All those costs have to be paid for by the water users − that’s you!
Natalya Melnychuk
What do the stages mean?
As your elected representative, I’m here to help. If you have questions regarding this proposed project, contact me at:
Stage 1 - Sprinkling 3 days per week
Director, Electoral Area G
nmelnychuk@csrd.bc.ca
Stage 2 - Sprinkling 2 days per week Stage 3 - Sprinkling 1 day per week Stage 4 - Sprinkling not permitted Your assigned days depend on your street address. For more info, see www.csrd.bc.ca/WaterRestrictions