Virden takes steps to protect water supply from potential flood

BRANDON — The Town of Virden has built walls around its well to protect it from the Assiniboine River, which would pollute the water supply if it bursts its banks.

The well that supplies water to residents has been fortified with an improved berm, and additional protection has been installed including sandbags, pumps and generators. The town built the flood defences as a proactive measure and declared a state of local emergency on Tuesday to support the effort, CAO Neil Smith said.

“The state of local emergency is due to this well being the town’s primary supply of raw water,” he said in an email. “Were it compromised, we’d be unable to meet treated water demand in the town for a number of days.”

Crews are watching the river on a 24-hour rotation.

“The next few days will be critical, although the forecast is looking a little better today.”

Virden’s water well is located outside of town, near Provincial Road 259, which intersects with the Assiniboine River. The river is expected to rise significantly within a week as floodwaters head downstream.

In case the river does rise over the fortifications and contaminate the well, Smith said the town is preparing to respond.

“We are discussing alternative water supply arrangements in partnership with the provincial government and other agencies, but there could be supply interruptions and advisories for a time. However, we’re not there yet,” Smith said.

Mayor Tina Williams noted the state of emergency improves the town’s ability to respond and call for support.

“It gives us a few powers if we have to make really quick decisions,” she said. “If something were to go wrong, like if the berm were to be breached, if the well was to get contaminated, having that makes it easier for us to reach out to the province for help.

She noted she has reviewed water levels from the 2014 flood and said that based on those levels, it looks like Virden will avoid flooding this year “but one rain event can change things.”

— Brandon Sun