Noble Creek residents relieved to see council decision on irrigation system upgrades

KAMLOOPS — It’s been a long time coming, but this week residents who rely on the Noble Creek Irrigation System (NCIS) have a clearer answer to what will happen with their water, and what it will cost them.

The current water system serves approximately 50 properties north of Westsyde and needs upgrades to continue operating.

Adam Woodward and his family operate a vineyard and farm in the area, and he’s part a task force made up of NCIS users, City of Kamloops staff and provincial representatives to look at cost options, grant opportunities and consult with residents.

After Tuesday’s (May 31) council decision to pass a $3 million dollar proposal instead of the $14 million upgrade brought forward in 2020, Woodward says he’s glad.

“It is a relief compared to where we were at a couple of years ago. Two years ago, it was a very scary point for us users because we potentially had these massive bills to pay.”

Based on the new $3 million repair budget, the system won’t be replaced in its entirety at once. Director of Civic Operations Jen Fretz says the City plans to use a ‘break-fix’ model, with Noble Creek users temporarily paying a higher water rate to cover costs.

“For right now the result from council is that there is a 15 per cent rate increase year upon year until the maintenance costs are paid for,” Fretz told CFJC Today. This is not a forever 15 per cent by any means. It’s just until the maintenance costs are covered.”

Previous solutions included a 15-minute turnaround if the water flow ran into problems — hence the once-projected $14 million cost. However, with the less expensive project, response times would be expanded to up to four days.

“I think for out here, it’s something that us as farmers can manage with,” says Woodward. “There’s some farms that might need it a little bit sooner but we’re working on solutions for those specific farms.”

Fretz says the City will also install water meters for Noble Creek to collect data around how much water is used, eventually using it to form a structured rate system.

Currently, the system is operated separately from the potable water system through the Kamloops Centre for Water Quality. Noble Creek properties receive potable water from the Kamloops Centre, and non-potable water for irrigation use through the Noble Creek Irrigation System.

“Currently the Noble Creek Irrigation System is partially subsidized by the potable water customers and the idea is to work towards a system or rate structure where that isn’t the case. Where all of the Noble Creek irrigation costs are paid for by the Noble Creek irrigation customers,” explains Fretz.

It’ll take time to form a sustainably funded system for the longer term, but in the meantime the City and Noble Creek users have worked out a solution to keep water flowing.

“Knowing that at least we can expect water to be provided for an additional five years, it gives us a lot more time to work with the City to find more grant money out there.” adds Woodward.