Beaconia Well Update – April 2025
Summary of Recent Developments
The Rural Municipality of St. Clements continues to address the provincial order to close the Beaconia Well by September 2, 2025, due to its uncontrolled flow and aging condition that does not meet the requirements of the Groundwater and Water Well Act.
Recent Communications with the Province
- On February 26, 2025, we requested permission to change the well to a non-drinking water source
- On March 17, 2025, we received a response from the Office of Drinking Water and Groundwater Management (letter attached below)
- On April 9, 2025, we held a follow-up meeting with the Province to discuss options
Key Points from the Provincial Response
- The September 2, 2025 closure deadline remains firm
- Converting the well to a non-drinking water source with a fill station is not permitted under provincial regulations
- The current well wastes approximately 11 million liters of water annually
Options Moving Forward
The Province has outlined several potential paths forward:
- New Well with Disinfected Fill Station: Drill a new well and build a compliant public fill station with disinfection
- Would require permits and an operating license
- Could initially operate without disinfection under a special plan that includes adding disinfection within two years
- Pail Fill Only Option: A newly drilled well could be maintained as a pail fill only system to avoid disinfection requirementsand may waive disinfection requirements provided the new well demonstrates a history free of bacteriological contamination (discussed at the April 9th meeting)
- East Selkirk Alternative: Residents could use the existing truck fill at the East Selkirk public water system for all household water needs and truck fill.
Next Steps
The RM of St. Clements is evaluating these options and will continue to work with provincial authorities to determine the best path forward. We are committed to keeping residents informed throughout this process.
For More Information
- For questions about closing the current well: Richard Tattersall at Groundwater Management.
- For questions about permits for closing or building a new system: Cory Vitt at Office of Drinking Water.
- Continue checking our website for updates