Services
Water System
Gibsons’ Water System
The Town of Gibsons relies on groundwater from Aquifer 560 to supply potable water to the community. The system is designed to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water while adapting to climate change and future growth. The components of the water system include wells, pumps, pipes, reservoirs, and meters that move water from the aquifer to residents’ taps.
Aquifer 560
100% of the Town of Gibsons depends on groundwater from the aquifer, which is pumped from three wells.
Wells
Gibsons’ water is sourced from four wells in Lower Gibsons and one well in Upper Gibsons.
Pumps
Pumps are used to extract groundwater from the aquifer and move it through the distribution system.
Pipes and Distribution Network
A network of underground pipes distributes water to homes and businesses while maintaining pressure and flow.
Reservoirs
Storage reservoirs help regulate supply, ensuring adequate water is available during peak demand and emergencies.
Meters
Water meters track consumption, aiding in conservation efforts and system efficiency.
Gibsons has three water zones. All of which are serviced by Aquifer 560, however, Zone three
Water Tests
The Town of Gibsons regularly tests its drinking water with a goal to supply and deliver potable water to customers within the Town’s boundaries. These tests, based on the Drinking Water Quality Program, are carried out to ensure that the drinking water supplied is top quality.
Bacteriological Samples
Each sampling site is tested monthly for total coliform and E. coli. In addition to monitoring water quality at the well sources, water quality must also be monitored in the distribution system to ensure contaminants are not entering the piping network
- Testing Frequency: Monthly
- Monitored Locations: Wells and reservoirs (School Road and Parkland reservoirs)
- Tests Conducted: Total coliform and E. coli
Enhanced Potability
Enhanced potability tests are conducted annually to ensure chemical and physical characteristics meet Canadian Drinking Water guidelines. Click the link below to view the 2022 water potability results of Gibsons’ well water:
- Annual Tests: Chemical and physical characteristic assessments
- Key Contaminants Monitored: Nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, sodium, iron, manganese, and hardness
Annual Drinking Water Reports
2024 Annual Drinking Water Report
2023 Drinking Water System Annual Report
2022 Drinking Water System Annual Report
2020 Drinking-Water-System-Annual-Report
2018 Drinking Water System Annual Report
Groundwater Monitoring Reports
2024 Annual Groundwater Monitoring Results
2023 Annual Groundwater Chemistry Results
The Town’s water distribution system monitors pumping volume from each well daily, and the well sensors provide staff with real-time data of the water level at each of the well locations, allowing staff to track changes within the aquifer continually.
Climate and Water Demand Scenarios
The 2021 Aquifer Mapping Study Update assessed the long-term sustainability of Gibsons’ water supply under various conditions:
- Population Growth Estimates: 1.2% to 2.5% annually
- Water Demand: 404-524 litres per capita/day (2022: 357 l/c/d)
- Climate Change Impacts:
- 15% decrease in rainfall
- 30% decrease in snow accumulation
- Sea level rise affecting available drawdown
Conclusion: There is a low risk of over-pumping under full buildout conditions.
Monitoring Program
- Daily Monitoring: Pumping volume recorded at each well
- Real-Time Data: Well sensors track aquifer levels continuously
- Long-Term Trends: Water level, quality, and recharge rates are analyzed annually
Every year, the Town of Gibsons conducts its Annual Watermain Flushing Program in order to:
- enhance the overall water quality within the water distribution system
- improve system operations by reducing turbidity, removing sediment, silt, and biofilms
- increase system hydraulic capacity, and lengthen the life of system components
Residents may experience fluctuations in water pressure and changes in water colour due to the flushing process. To clear discoloured water, run cold water taps until clear, for up to 15 minutes. If the water is still discoloured, wait an hour and then try again. While watermain flushing does not pose a risk to the public, immune-compromised people should consult with their healthcare provider about whether to take extra precautions with their drinking water.
As a precaution, the Town will chlorinate the water system while we do this work. As a result, there may be a slight change in the taste or odour of the water.
Activities such as laundry and dishwashing should be scheduled outside of flushing hours.
The Town will post a notification on the homepage of gibsons.ca prior to any watermain flushing.
If you have any questions, please call 604-886-2274 or email infrastructure@gibsons.ca.
