Emerald Estates UV Water Treatment Station – Corrosion Control System Project

Status

The construction will start in early summer 2026 and will be completed by December 2026.

Overview

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) operates the Emerald Estates Water System, which supplies drinking water to the Emerald neighborhood through three groundwater wells. Raw water is pumped to the Emerald UV Chemical Dosing Station, where it receives UV disinfection followed by sodium hypochlorite for secondary disinfection.  The water from the three wells in Emerald has naturally low pH levels (6.6–6.9). Following the approach taken in the South Whistler Water Supply system, RMOW is implementing corrosion control through pH adjustment, consistent with Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines (pH 7.0–10.5), best practices across B.C. and Metro Vancouver.

Raising the pH of the Emerald water system to a target of 7.6 ± 0.2 is required to reduce copper leaching, protect distribution infrastructure, and maintain compliance with public health operating permits. To ensure consistency across RMOW water treatment facilities, caustic soda (NaOH) has been selected as the preferred corrosion control chemical. 

What’s happening

• Installing caustic soda storage tanks, constructing additional secondary containment and chemical sumps, and adding a caustic dosing system with metering and transfer pumps.
• Structural modifications to the existing Emerald UV Station building to accommodate chemical storage with outdoor safety shower and ventilation improvements.
• Electrical upgrades and civil works to improve chemical delivery access and site regrading.

Benefits

This project will improve water quality in the Emerald neighborhood by correcting naturally low pH levels to reduce corrosion and ensure safe, reliable drinking water

Location

Work will occur within the operating Emerald UV Water Treatment Station building (9523 Emerald Drive) and surrounding site, with construction beginning in spring 2026 and substantial completion anticipated in December 2026.

Construction impacts

• Expect equipment noise, and increased numbers of construction vehicles on site.
• Recreation trail users in this area please use caution; there may be minor access detours through this site. Please obey the signage.

Timeline

• May to December 2026

Gallery

 Emerald UV Water Treatment Construction Location

Emerald UV Water Treatment Construction Area

Contact

Infrastructure Projects Department
Email: projects@whistler.ca