Hedley Improvement District (HID)

The Hedley water system was constructed in the early 1900s and was maintained by Hedley Mascot Gold Mines Ltd. The original system took water from Hedley Creek and used it for milling operations, as well as for residential and commercial occupants of the townsite. In 1952, when the mine shut down, it turned the water works over to the Hedley Improvement District, which was established under letters patent from the provincial government.

In 1970, a flood wiped out the dam and the wood stave water lines from the creek. As a result, the HID decided to bore wells rather than repair the damaged lines. A test well was dug at the site of the present pump house, and the findings showed enough sustainable water to justify drilling a larger well. In 2000, the HID built a new 100,000-gallon concrete reservoir on Hospital Hill to replace the aging wood stave tank that had served as a reservoir. Later, in 2002, a new well was built adjacent to the pump house to increase water capacity.

Our distribution system is comprised of older steel lines and newer PVC lines. The Hedley Improvement District Officers have a long-range plan to replace all the older lines as funds become available.

Water Quality

Hedley is fortunate to have high-quality water from our deep wells, which does not require chlorination. The water is sampled weekly and sent to a certified laboratory for testing. Interior Health provides us with a water analysis report, which is posted outside the HID office or at the post office for your convenience. To view water sample analysis reports click here.  And type “Hedley” when it asks for your city, then press Enter.

Water Conservation

To conserve water and reduce pumping costs, the HID typically imposes sprinkling restrictions from May through September. Residents may operate sprinklers before 10 AM and after 6 PM, but sprinklers must not be left running overnight. These restrictions do not apply to vegetable and flower garden watering, which can be done as often as needed using a watering can or a hose with a spring-loaded, shut-off nozzle to minimize water waste. These measures have successfully reduced summer water consumption from over 500,000 gallons per month to under 300,000 gallons per month.

Water System Operator

Our Water Technician/Operator is Kathleen Conabree. She can be reached by email at hedleywatersystem@gmail.com or by phone at (250) 328-9368.

Thank you,
HID Trustees