Water supply

If you have any concerns about your water supply, contact the Operational Services department.

The City of Courtenay's water is supplied by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD). The City operates and maintains a Class 3 water distribution system (EOCP Facility No. 460).

Water quality monitoring

The City is required by Island Health to regularly test drinking water for total coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli (E.coli), trihalomethanes (THM) and haloacetic acids (HAA) as part of a province-wide approach to ensuring safe drinking water.

The City of Courtenay collects weekly water samples from 10 locations across the distribution system. The latest test results can be reviewed on Island Health's website.

Annual drinking water reports

The City publishes yearly reports on drinking water quality.

Water Smart Action Plan

The Water Smart Action Plan outlines Courtenay’s strategy for reducing water use. It was presented to Council in 2019 and aims to cut non-agricultural water consumption by 50 per cent by 2050 (compared to 2008 levels). This aligns with the CVRD’s Water Efficiency Plan.

Read the Water Smart Action Plan.

The plan:

  • Reviews the City’s water consumption data.
  • Uses population, irrigation and other factors to analyze and forecast water demand.
  • Outlines water conservation programs to meet regional targets.

Water Treatment Facility

Completed in 2021, the CVRD’s Water Treatment Facility provides fresh, filtered drinking water to 50,000 residents. The plant meets provincial health standards and uses:

  • Filtration to remove impurities.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection to kill harmful microorganisms.
  • Chlorination for additional protection.

This system eliminates the need for turbidity related boil water notices and ensures a secure, high-quality water supply now and into the future.

Learn more about the CVRD’s water treatment facility.