By Lyonel Doherty

Oliver Chronicle

It may be an expensive year for many Willowbrook residents who are bracing themselves against a proposed 129 per cent increase in their water rates.

A number of residents voiced their displeasure about this Monday night during a budget presentation by the regional district.

Water user fees per property are slated to increase from $437.50 to $1,008.50 (for nearly 80 connections).

The increase will cover system upgrades (mandated by Interior Health), staff wages and general operation of the water system, which was taken over by the regional district in July of 2016.

Some people laughed when Public Works Manager Janine Dougall said residents could sign up for pre-authorized payments for their user fees. But for many, the increase was no laughing matter.

“We’re paying for 35 to 40 years of neglect,” shouted one resident from the back of the Willowbrook fire hall.

“How long do we have to wait until the regional district gets its shit together!” another man blurted.

“I’m not going to spend money on something that I don’t have input on,” another homeowner said.

Dougall replied by saying she realizes it’s a massive increase, but noted they are mandated to provide potable water.

She explained that Interior Health completed a risk assessment of the Willowbrook water system and its source water. The study determined that the ground water is at risk of containing pathogens, she pointed out.

As a result, the regional district is using gas tax funds ($240,000) to upgrade the system, with the option to use chlorination or UV disinfection.

Upgrades to the well and pump house are also planned to begin this summer. In the meantime, a boil water advisory remains in effect. (It was posted last fall.)

A previous water system assessment completed by MMM Group recommended several upgrades, including installation of a second well and pump, installation of a backup generator at the pump house, installation of a second reservoir, and replacement/twinning of the 150 mm water main on Green Lake Road.

But Knodel expressed concern about the fact that the regional district spent a lot of money on this assessment yet none of the first-year goals have been undertaken.

Dougall said their main focus is protecting the pump house since the Willowbrook area is susceptible to flooding. She also pointed out that Interior Health is mandating the regional district to meet all water quality standards.

But at least two residents spoke out, saying they drink the water and it’s fine. One of them said he’s leery about the claim that the water quality is that bad. He noted the problem is the inadequate culvert system in Willowbrook.

Area C director Terry Schafer said he has been pushing the Ministry of Transportation to allow for proper drainage in the community, “but they look at us as small potatoes.”

Local resident Brad Fossett suggested getting Interior Health to lobby for proper drainage.

“If public health is at risk, wouldn’t Interior Health get a better ear?” he asked.

Schafer said that was the best idea he heard all night.

Another idea that Schafer and alternate Area C director Rick Knodel gave the thumbs up to is establishing a community advisory committee to give residents more say on matters that affect them the most.

Local resident Monica Nemes asked if the water user fee increase is a done deal.

Finance manager Maureen Hayter said the budget is still open for public input, encouraging people to send their feedback in writing to [email protected].