Overview

The South Whistler Water Supply Upgrade project will ensure a reliable and resilient water supply with improved water quality for residents and businesses in the Function Junction, Cheakamus Crossing, Creekside, and surrounding areas.

2025 Corrosion Control Program

To protect copper pipes and hot water tanks in buildings, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) will be increasing the pH of the south Whistler drinking water supply. This change will help us to meet the latest updates Health Canada guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. We will use sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, a common compound used for this purpose. Sodium hydroxide is also regularly used in food processing, particularly in curing foods. 

This increase will: 

• Reduce the release of copper from pipes and lead from fixtures in buildings caused by low pH. 

• Reduce leaks in pipes caused by copper corrosion.  

• Help preserve the lifespan of pipes and hot water tanks. 

• Reduce green stains on tubs, sinks, and grout.  

Adjusting the pH levels of our water is a key component of our water treatment process because our untreated ground water is typically slightly acidic. Some of the RMOW’s current water sources — including Alpine, Community Wells, Emerald and the 21 Mile Creek aquifer wells near Rainbow Park — have a pH below 7.0. This means they do not meet Health Canada’s updated Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, which recommends an Operational Guideline pH range from 7 to 10.5.  

Increasing the pH to a target range of 7.6 to 7.8 will make the water less corrosive. These changes might prompt some water users, like health care facilities, breweries, bakeries, laundries, swimming pool operators and aquarium owners to adjust and calibrate their operations for the change in pH and alkalinity.  

Throughout the process, we will continue to deliver high-quality drinking water in Whistler. Our drinking water will maintain the exceptional quality we’ve come to expect. 

Understanding pH 

pH stands for “potential of Hydrogen” and is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.  

pH can range from 0 to 14. A pH value of 7 means a substance is neutral. Water with a pH of less than 7 is acidic, and water with a pH greater than 7 is considered basic. The lower value indicates acidity, and a higher value is a sign of alkalinity. In general, the lower the pH, the higher the potential for corrosion.  

Importantly, we want you to know the pH of drinking water is not a health concern. Your body adjusts to its optimal pH balance no matter what you ingest. For instance, once alkaline enters your stomach, your body pours in greater amounts of acid to neutralize it.  

Project timeline 

Public notice period: October 2025 

We will contact applicable water users in advance of this increase to provide them with the opportunity to adjust their operations to the change in pH. 

• January 2026: increase the pH. Check here for timeline updates.
• Spring 2024 to winter 2025: Phase 2 Construction of new treatment, pump station and civil work tie ins.
• Spring to fall 2023: Phase 1 civil works (complete)
• Winter 2023: Procurement and Council approval (complete)
• 2022: Design (complete)

Contact 

Please contact engineers@whistler.ca if you have any questions about how this will affect your property or business.   

Project history

Phase 1 completed 2023: New water main sections installed to connect the existing water systems in Function Junction and Cheakamus Crossing. This created a backup system in case of disruptions in either area.

Phase 2: A new water pump and treatment station will be built beside the existing Cheakamus Crossing well and pump station. This station will adjust water acidity (pH) to ensure the water meets optimal quality standards.

Benefits

• Enhanced water security: The interconnected system provides a reliable water source even if there are issues in one specific area.
• Improved water quality: The treatment station ensures consistent water quality that meets all regulations.
• Efficient water distribution: The upgraded system allows for optimized water flow throughout Whistler.

Locations

• Whistler Interpretive Forest parking lot
• Water Pump Station and 1101 Cheakamus Lk. Rd.

Construction impact

Expect equipment noise and increased numbers of construction vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured around the work site. This will be clearly marked with traffic cones, and traffic control persons when required. 

Gallery

Contact

Infrastructure Services Department: Capital Projects
604-935-8192
projects@whistler.ca