With temperatures expected to drop in the coming weeks and as snow slowly creeps down the mountains, concern is growing in Prince Rupert amid confirmation last month by Mayor Herb Pond that Prince Rupert’s water system infrastructure may be in a much more precarious situation than previously disclosed by the city. 

During a Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Mayor Pond describe the critical state of Prince Rupert's water pipes – some more than 100 years old – and that the situation could get worse before it gets better, if federal funds earmarked for a complete overhaul of Prince Rupert’s water mains isn't approved soon. 

"Just since September, there have been 22 water main ruptures in the City," said Mayor Pond. "Richmond, for example, with a population 20 times larger than Prince Rupert has only seen four."

During his address at the chamber luncheon in late September, Mayor Pond admitted the city hasn’t been completely forthcoming with how serious the situation is, telling the group of local business leaders and residents that in December 2022 the city's water reservoirs was 45 minutes away from being complexity dry, which could have lead to catastrophic ruptures throughout the entire water system. 

Although Mayor Pond said the situation is dire, he also reassured residents that crews are working extremely hard to ensure the city is as best prepared for the coming winter, when freezing temperatures are expected to cause more damage this year. But with a looming federal decision on funding to completely overhaul and replace Prince Rupert's ageing water pipes, Mayor Pond is hopeful clean water and new pipes are on the way.

Listen to the full episode below.