The Municipality of North Cowichan has approved a $4.5 million emergency project to protect two water mains that supply drinking water to the southern part of the community. Officials say the project is urgent because the pipes and the nearby river dike are at immediate risk of damage.
In early June, municipal staff discovered that two trunk water mains were exposed in the Cowichan River, about 875 metres downstream from the Highway 1 bridges. Water levels in the river had dropped by roughly one metre due to erosion, leaving the mains uncovered and vulnerable. The exposed pipes not only threaten the drinking water supply but also weaken the south side dike, which protects nearby roads, the Boys Road water treatment plant, and Cowichan Tribes’ lands. Officials warned that if left unaddressed, the situation could lead to catastrophic water main breaks and dike failure.
Construction is planned from August 15 to September 15 during a “fisheries window” approved by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the provincial Ministry of Environment. This period minimizes risks to salmon and trout spawning in the Cowichan River. Mayor Rob Douglas said council approved the emergency project to secure both the pipes and the dike and stressed that the consequences of delaying the work could be severe.
The emergency project includes removing gravel from the riverbed and installing a new gravel cushion around the exposed pipes. The south side dike will be reinforced and armored to prevent further erosion. Isolation berms will be built around the construction site to reduce environmental impact, and crews will restore any disturbed areas once the work is complete. The municipality is working closely with Cowichan Tribes, the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the City of Duncan, and the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society to ensure environmental concerns are addressed and the river’s health is protected during construction.
This emergency project is part of a larger initiative called the Boys Road Trunk Main Replacement Project. The long-term plan will replace a 600-metre aging water main with a new 900-metre pipe that is designed to meet future water needs and provide better earthquake resilience. Construction of the full replacement project is expected to begin in late 2025 and continue into early 2026. The emergency work is a necessary measure to stabilize the mains and the dike until the larger project can be completed.
North Cowichan, located next to the City of Duncan on Vancouver Island, is home to approximately 32,000 residents. The municipality includes communities such as Crofton, Chemainus, Maple Bay, and Quamichan. Reliable drinking water systems are essential for the growing population, and officials say the emergency project is critical to prevent service interruptions, flooding, and damage to infrastructure.
Climate-related changes, such as shifting river levels and erosion, have created sudden risks for the municipality’s water supply. By acting quickly, North Cowichan leaders aim to secure the drinking water supply, reinforce flood protection, and prevent environmental damage. The municipality has pledged to keep residents informed throughout the project and to continue working with local partners to minimize any negative effects on the river.
Work crews are set to begin construction in mid-August. If the project stays on schedule, the exposed water mains and weakened dike should be stabilized by mid-September, ensuring a secure water supply for thousands of residents. The $4.5 million investment highlights the importance of proactive measures in protecting critical infrastructure and public safety while maintaining environmental safeguards.
