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Crack at Summerland dam will not affect water supply

Irrigation supply not expected to suffer as crews examine horizontal crack
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The dam at Thirsk Lake, west of Summerland, was expanded in 2007. A crack has now been discovered where the old and new portions of the dam meet. (Summerland Review file photo)

A crack at a Summerland reservoir is not expected to affect the water supply for this year.

“Thirsk reservoir will fill as usual this year as the stability assessment is done,” said Devon van der Meulen, manager of water utilities for Summerland.

READ ALSO: Funds approved for structural analysis at Thirsk Dam

READ ALSO: Crack at Thirsk Dam to be examined

The horizontal crack was discovered in the fall of 2020. The crack is at the interface of the original 1941 concrete and the 2007 addition.

A preliminary investigation was conducted in December 2020, but a more thorough analysis will be completed by June 18.

“While the analysis cannot be completed fast enough to consider any 2021 pre-freshet works, Interior Dams has no concern with allowing the water level to rise above the cracked area,” van der Meulen said in a report to Summerland council.

In addition to the examination of the crack, municipal crews are planning to replace the Isintok Dam outlet pipe later this year. This work will require lowering of that reservoir in late summer. The Thirsk reservoir will be used at that time.

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John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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