Residents in Princeton, B.C. are still dealing with the aftermath of an atmospheric river event that caused significant damage and displaced thousands over two years ago. However, there is hope on the horizon as the town is close to rescinding a multi-year-long boil water notice. The Town of Princeton released an update and timeline for the Memorial Park Wells 1 and 2 replacement project, with an estimated timeline of August to September 2024 for commissioning. Bree Construction was awarded the project in May 2023, and all necessary permits, approvals, and infrastructure have been put in place.
The water wells in Princeton were damaged in November 2021 when the Tulameen River overflowed and flooded the town. This event forced around 70% of residents to either boil their water or rely on a temporary water filling station to access clean drinking water. Despite the inconvenience, residents like Terry Greer have had to make do with the situation, acknowledging that it was a natural disaster beyond anyone’s control. Project funding for the replacement wells was secured in June 2022 with a cost of approximately $4.5 million.
The installation of mechanical and electrical components inside the facility, along with tie-ins and commissioning, are the next steps in the project to bring clean drinking water back to the residents of Princeton. The Town of Princeton’s announcement brings hope to the community as they anticipate the end of the boil water notice that has been in place for years. Once the replacement wells are fully operational, residents will no longer have to rely on temporary measures to access clean water for their daily needs.
The impact of the atmospheric river event on Princeton has been long-lasting, with the town’s infrastructure and residents’ daily lives affected by the damage caused by the flooding. The resilience of the community has been tested as they have had to adapt to the challenges of living under a boil water notice for an extended period of time. The progress made on the Memorial Park Wells replacement project marks a significant milestone in the town’s recovery efforts and provides hope for a return to normalcy in the near future.
As the Town of Princeton works towards rescinding the boil water notice, residents like Terry Greer continue to make use of the temporary water filling station to meet their daily water needs. The community has shown strength and solidarity in the face of adversity, coming together to support each other and work towards a common goal of restoring clean drinking water to all residents. The upcoming commissioning of the replacement wells signifies a positive step forward in the town’s recovery process and brings optimism for the future of Princeton.
