A significant water maintenance project, to take place early next month, will not have as great an effect on the public as was initially anticipated.
The maintenance work is to replace a pressure reducing valve for a main water line. It is a preventative measure.
When the project was announced last fall, the work was expected to result in a three-day water shutoff for the community.
Such a shutoff would have had a significant effect on all residences and businesses within Summerland.
The efforts involved in preparation for such an event would have been substantial.
Residents would need to store enough water for the duration, or leave town while the water was shut off.
Businesses, especially food services and others which require a steady flow of water, would need to make special arrangements or close their doors entirely during the shutoff.
However, more recent information from the municipality says the community will still have water, just not drinking water.
This means a boil water notice will be issued for the time of the maintenance work and residents are encouraged to make preparations in advance.
While a boil water notice is an inconvenience, it is far less intrusive than the full water shutoff as initially expected.
It will still mean some adjustments for residents, but not to the same extent as a complete shutoff.
From time to time, the community’s infrastructure — water, sewer, electricity, roads and other services — will need replacement or maintenance. At such times, the inconveniences resulting from the upkeep should act as a reminder of how much we depend on these services.