Aquifer Storage and Recovery

Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project

What is Aquifer Storage and Recovery? 

Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) is a way of storing treated drinking water underground so it can be used later in the drier months of the year. During wetter months, treated drinking water is injected into a suitable aquifer through a well. In drier months, the stored water can be pumped back out and used.

Before the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) can use an ASR well as part of a public drinking water system, testing must show that the process is technically feasible and protective of water quality.

Project Location and Background

An ASR project is currently underway in the RDN’s Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area. The ASR well, located near the intersection of Claudet Road and Northwest Bay Road, was drilled and developed in 2014 by the Englishman River Water Service (ERWS), a joint venture partnership between the RDN and the City of Parksville. The Claudet Road ASR well site was carefully selected to expand earlier ASR feasibility work that was underway at another location.

Testing Timeline

  • 2014: The Claudet Road ASR well was drilled and developed by the Englishman River Water Service.
  • 2021–2024: Hydrogeological modelling, engineering design and civil infrastructure construction were completed.
  • December 2024–June 2025: Short-term cycle testing was completed, including six cycles of injection, storage and recovery.
  • December 2025–June 15, 2026: The injection and storage phase of a larger operational-style test took place, with treated drinking water injected into the aquifer and stored.
  • June 18–September 30, 2026: The recovery phase is taking place, with stored water being pumped out for testing while the aquifer is carefully monitored.

Why Water is Being Discharged to the Ditch

The water currently being pumped to the Claudet Road ditch is part of the recovery phase of the ASR feasibility test. This water:

  • is treated drinking water that was stored underground as part of the test;
  • is not native groundwater;
  • is being pumped out to assess the dry season recovery rate of the stored water;
  • is being tested to confirm water quality; and
  • is not authorized for beneficial use during the trial phase.

Regulatory Review and Approvals

The RDN has submitted a groundwater license application to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. The Ministry and Island Health have both been involved throughout the ASR development process.

The ASR well would only move into operation after the RDN receives the required regulatory approvals. Test plans, data and findings from each stage of the project are being submitted to these agencies as part of the approval process.

What Happens Next

Water quality testing and aquifer level monitoring are ongoing. If approved for operation, the ASR well would pump water into the existing 16-inch diameter watermain on Northwest Bay Road for use in the Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area. Operation could begin in late 2027 or early 2028, subject to the required approvals.