The water supply line running across the Ucluelet Inlet to the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet) First Nation will have to be completely replaced, the District of Ucluelet announced Saturday in a public notice.
“After careful assessment, it has become clear that the existing water supply line has been damaged beyond repair and will have to be completely replaced,” the statement said.
The line, which brings potable water to the 280-member community, may have been damaged by more frequent and higher tidal flows resulting from a volcanic eruption near Tonga last weekend. A state of emergency was declared by the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation, which has been without its regular supply of potable water since Monday morning.
District crews and contractors were trying to repair the water line, while delivery trucks brought in 18-litre jugs of potable water.
“We are now in the process of confirming the usability of repurposing an existing submerged line,” the district said. “The necessary parts to bring the line online will arrive on Monday, whereupon the team will immediately begin installing them.”
After the line is installed, the crew will quickly be able to confirm if it can be used.
“This is good news, as the submerged water line, once confirmed as usable, will provide a more reliable, secure, and possibly quicker source of clean drinking water to Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ,” the district said.
Further updates will be provided early next week.
Although there are no marine traffic restrictions in the inlet this weekend, the Pat Leslie Boat Launch will remain closed.
Questions or concerns can be directed to the District of Ucluelet municipal office at 250-726-7744.
