More water woes for B.C.
‘s Semiahmoo First Nation.
The Semiahmoo community is located between White Rock and the U.S.-B.C.
border.
The City of Surrey, B.C., says it can provide the reserve with water after the deal runs out, but staff say major upgrades are needed before that can happen.
"We have to replace the whole water system here on the reserve," said Semiahmoo Coun.
Old infrastructure The First Nation’s water and sewer systems are outdated and inadequate, which is why the 43 band members who live on the reserve have been on a boil-water advisory for years.
"Design drawings for the actual sewer system and water system are being constructed right now," Charles said.
Charles says if there’s a big fire on the reserve, crews will have to split their time between keeping the water tank on the truck full and dousing the flames.
"One thousand gallon tank pumper track tries to put out a fire, and the other pumper truck runs back and forth to the fire hydrant to fill that other tank up."