PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, FORESTS, AND WATER RESOURCES Hon. R. G. Williston, Minister A. F. Paget, Deputy Minister of Water Resources REPORT of the WATER RESOURCES SERVICE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1963 Printed by A. Sutton, Printer to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in right of the Province of British Columbia 1964 Victoria, B.C., January 23, 1964. To Major-General the Honourable George Randolph Pearkes, V.C., P.C., C.B., D.S.O., M.C., Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia. May it please Your Honour: Herewith I beg respectfully to submit the Annual Report of the British Columbia Water Resources Service of the Department of Lands, Forests, and Water Resources for the year ended December 31, 1963. R. G. WILLISTON, Minister of Lands, Forests, and Water Resources. Victoria, B.C., January 23, 1964. The Honourable R. G. Williston, Minister of Lands, Forests, and Water Resources, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit the Annual Report of the British Columbia Water Resources Service of the Department of Lands, Forests, and Water Resources for the 12 months ended December 31, 1963. A. F. PAGET, Deputy Minister of Water Resources. CONTENTS Page Organization Chart of the Water Resources Service 8 Introduction by the Deputy Minister of Water Resources 9 History of Water Administration in British Columbia 13 The Water Rights Branch— Organization Chart of the Water Rights Branch 25 Deputy Comptroller 25 Water Licencing Division 26 District Engineers Division 32 Improvement Districts Division 3 9 Power and Major Licences Division 44 The Water Investigations Branch— Organization Chart of the Water Investigations Branch 53 Chief Engineer 53 Water Supply and Investigations Division 54 Hydrology Division 65 Ground Water Division 66 Basin Planning and Power Division 68 Water Projects under the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act 70 Southern Okanagan Lands Project 73 Accounting Division 79 Personnel Section . 8 3 ■... ii^i'lKlpif .J . : ^■■■■■7.-.u:- ' - .. • ' ■ - » ■MflHH Fraser River canyon near Lillooet. w 0 — w ca 13 (3 c-J u I-H I a 1/3 PS o H U c r-5 1/3 w u PS W vo rt 2 PS W H < Q Z < co" H CO 1 <p O CD Q •a ., a PS W o Ph Q Z o H Z w H PS < w Q 8 PS 5 o CO W PS PS n H < •SI < 3 r -■■ a ° g*. o I co § o u rt u w o 5 O co W rt rt a <: p j o o w o M co i-l Si a Z ° <£ 0 S3* .2 is 1 & ■iy — oS "d b; r E o o -- rt | — go !«i C3 • _ H id w rt 3 Tm O /-% D fc- a § F-i a 5 ci.- O HH ii _: &. U. u O r-r B s 5* « 5 o O pj _^s I™ C~j <, z o o p rt I 3= ■S a .3^ O '3 pa a ."B i-i XI oo | a u ■* 5 < < I OJ rt ^ ^ T3 «H "° o . ■ -, o -- 0 a s 1) to o g a o o CO JS I- CJ ca a co g |« Ut CO o (3 CO O CO '-^ <D rf O OJ) H '£3 3 to O 1> co > i> q « a £■* p 8 « 03 Report of the Water Resources Service A. F. Paget, P.Eng., Deputy Minister of Water Resources The year 1963 has been the first full year of operation for the Water Resources Service, which came into being on April 1, 1962, as a result of the Department of Lands and Forests Amendment Act, 1962, which created the Water Resources Service. The Water Resources Service thus became a separate service, under the direction of a Deputy Minister and responsible to the Minister of Lands, Forests, and Water Resources for the administration of the Water Act and all matters pertaining to the water resources of the Province. The year 1963 saw the completion of the reorganization of the original Water Rights Branch of the Department of Lands into the new Water Resources Service. The Water Rights Branch remains in existence, continuing the administration of the control of the use of water under authority of the Water Act. The Comptroller of Water Rights continues to head this Branch, with this position combined with that of the Deputy Minister. The Deputy Comptroller, Mr. G. J. A. Kidd, returned to the Water Resources Service from the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority in December, 1962, to take this position. Technical investigations pertaining to the water resources of the Province are the responsibility of the Water Investigations Branch, under the direction of the Chief Engineer, Mr. V. Raudsepp, with Mr. T. A. J. Leach as Assistant Chief Engineer. This Branch has the responsibilities, with some new duties and functions added, of the Hydraulic Investigations Division of the original Water Rights Branch. Each branch contains a number of divisions, corresponding to its principal functions, as shown on the organization chart with this Report. During 1963, Water Resources Service offices moved to the old British Columbia Power Commission building on Blanshard Street, and all Water Resources Service personnel in Victoria are now located in the same building. This is the first time for many years that Water Rights Branch functions in Victoria have been centralized in one location. Personnel matters, accounting, mailing, and filing for the Water Resources Service continue to be conducted by the respective officers of the Lands Service, as a Departmental responsibility. Arrangements exist with the Forest Service for the mechanical inspection of Water Resources Service motor-vehicles. However, during the year Water Resources files were transferred to a file room in the Water Resources Building, although filing is still being carried on by Lands Service File Room personnel. This arrangement has made file material much more readily available. The year 1963 has seen the expansion of the responsibilities of the Water Resources Service. One of these new responsibilities concerns the South Okanagan Lands Project, administration of which was transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Water Resources Service, effective April 1, 1963. This Project is unique in British Columbia in that it is the only Provincially developed and administered irrigation project in the Province, serving about 5,000 acres of irrigated land in the Oliver-Osoyoos area with water for irrigation and, in the case of Oliver, with water for domestic use. The Project, which was initiated in 1920, was originally intended to provide for the resettlement of veterans of World War I. It was administered by the Lands Service from its inception until 1956, when administrative responsibility was transferred to the Department of Agriculture, in whose EE 10 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE hands it remained until the 1963 transfer to the Water Resources Service. In addition to operation and maintenance of the water-distribution system, the Project is charged with the management and disposal of Crown land within its boundaries. Because many of the components of the irrigation and domestic water systems have reached an age at which replacement must be expected, the transfer of responsibility for this Project to the Water Resources Service comes at a critical time in the history of the Project. The impending replacement of these major components of the system requires a decision as to whether provision should be made for extensions to the area to be irrigated. To this end, extensive studies to determine the feasibility of increasing the area served are being carried out by the Water Investigations Branch. A major expansion in the responsibilities of the Water Resources Service during 1963 has resulted from the Federal Government's Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act (A.R.D.A.). The Water Resources Service is carrying out engineering in connection with the Provincial Government's responsibilities under this programme, which will provide Federal and Provincial Government funds for a wide range of projects involving rehabilitation and development of agricultural lands to encourage the best use of these lands. A special section has been set up in the Water Investigations Branch to design the projects and generally to carry out the work of the Service with respect to A.R.D.A. A general review of duties, with, in many cases, reassignment of same, has taken place in the Service, which, with the recruitment of new personnel that has taken place, should provide a basic task force to deal with the work arising from administration of the Water Act and the water investigations made necessary by the Province's expanding economy. As in the past, senior members of the Water Resources staff participated in a number of committees and boards dealing with water and related matters. A partial list of these includes British Columbia Energy Board, Fraser River Board, International Kootenay Lake Board of Control, Pollution-control Board, British Columbia Deputy Ministers' Committee on A.R.D.A., British Columbia Natural Resources Conference, Hydrology Sub-committee of the National Resources Council, Western Snow Conference, Western Reclamation Association, British Columbia Public Works Association, and committees involved in Columbia River Treaty negotiations. Among these, the Fraser River Board made particularly heavy demands on staff time during the year, which saw the completion at the end of December of its final report, marking the culmination of over 15 years of work by the Board and its predecessors. Much help was given to this Service during the year by other departments and agencies, and special appreciation is noted for the assistance of the Lands Service, the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, the Department of Mines and Petroleum Resources, the Bureau of Economics and Statistics, and the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority. The history of water law dates from the very inception of the Colony of British Columbia. In this, the first separate report of the Water Resources Service, a brief review will be made in the following sections of the legislative and administrative changes brought about to meet the changing economy of the Province. The importance of water to the growth and development of mankind has usually been considered by those who presently enjoy it, the historians who recount the rise and fall of empires, and the roseate-minded planners of great futures for industry and nation as a matter that can be taken for granted or ignored. However, fresh water is a most basic requirement to man and his food supplies, and the wise use of the available supply is mandatory, be this large or small. Conversely, as INTRODUCTION EE 11 populations expand and intensive use is made of the river valleys and lowlands, the threat of floods from the occasional too ample supply must be met. Conservation of water for most beneficial use is a natural requirement of the greatest importance with very high significance as to the future growth of our population and its economy. British Columbia has always taken the view, unique in Canada, that water was a special resource, and early in the history of the Colony, and henceforth to this day, has consistently legislated that water was owned by the Crown, who made legislative arrangements for its licensing and use. Arrangements and organizations have been necessary in order that this concept should be workable. Originally, when population was sparse and the available surface supply to meet the then current demands was large, much of the administrative power was placed in the Gold Commissioners' hands. Later, provisions were made by special Acts of the Legislature for large-scale water use, both for power and municipal purposes. By 1909 the concept of a formal government licensing agency whose whole function would be water administration had been formalized. There were expansions to this original Act, followed later by substantial reductions, but, in intent and application, little fundamental conflict would be experienced should this Act be, in effect, unaltered today, except for the unwieldy and time-consuming processes then considered necessary. The first task set out by the Act of 1909, and confirmed by later Acts and amendments, was to remove the special privileges of private Acts, to establish a uniform method of licensing and to create licences, especially for individual and agricultural purposes where existing usage had demonstrated beneficial use but no formal application or record had been issued. This task was given to a Board of Investigation, which worked for many years to finalize these objectives. The Board was disbanded in 1939, and its powers transferred to the Comptroller of Water Rights. There are very few remaining incidences where administrative action was not taken by the Board to bring absolute uniformity to water administration throughout the Province. The Water Rights Branch operated as a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Lands from its original inception in 1909, with its responsibility to the Executive Council or to the Minister. As might be expected, the senior officials were originally performing in an unchartered area, both with respect to jurisdictional matters and also from topographical and hydrological information, which is so obviously needed. A review of this nature must acknowledge the far-sighted procedures put into effect by these early pioneers, and it is considered that special mention should be given to Mr. J. E. Lane, who, more than any one single man, was responsible for the comprehensive legislation now in effect and the enormous task of bringing into being the many early licences of the Branch. He served in many capacities—as solicitor, Chairman of the Board of Investigation, Deputy Comptroller, and for his last year of service was Comptroller of Water Rights. His total service span was from 1919 to 1951, during which time the whole shape and texture of the processes of our present administration developed. The first officials responsible for water administration only were Chief Water Commissioners—Mr. W. S. Drury, 1909 to 1911; Mr. J. S. T. Alexander, 1911; with Mr. J. F. Armstrong, the first Chairman of the Board of Investigations, acting as Comptroller during the first period of reorganization of the Water Rights Branch. Mr. William Young was the first appointed Comptroller, from 1913 to 1919. It is hard at this time to evaluate the accomplishments of the Branch during this time. The period of the First World War intervened, but much data was gathered and many valuable reports on water resources were made. The work of the Board was, of course, continuous in this period. EE 12 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Mr. E. A. Cleveland served from 1919 to 1926, and although his fame is more apt to rest on his accomplishments as the first Water Commissioner for the Greater Vancouver Water District, great forward steps were made in the Branch under his direction. The South Okanagan Lands Project was initiated, great stimulation was given to power studies generally, and the whole activity of the Branch was given vigour and purpose. His studies of the needs for a metropolitan water supply for Vancouver and the adjacent municipalities led to the formation of the first greater district, which he then headed until near his death in 1952. Major J. C. McDonald was Comptroller from 1926 to 1938, and he competently carried on the work of the Branch. Under his tenure of office, the largest part of the work of the Board of Investigations was carried out. Work of an investigational nature became curtailed with the distress of the depression years. At the end of 1938 the Government decided to have a separate utility commission, where previously much of this had been done by the Water Rights Branch in licensing controls, and Major McDonald was appointed as an original member of the Public Utility Commission. The sections pertaining to utilities were taken from the Water Act, and other streamlining and modifications were made. This Act is substantially the same with which we administer water at this time. Mr. E. Davis's tenure of service, 1938 to 1946, coincided largely with the Second World War, during which time there was little opportunity to study or maintain more than routine application of the Water Act. However, an aftermath of the depression years was cleared away. Government loans for dyking, irrigation, and drainage had been made to improvement districts during the 1920's and even into the 1930's. It had been found impossible for the land-owners to raise the money to make full payment on these accounts, and the situation required the appointment of a Royal Commissioner to inquire into and report on this. Dean Clement was appointed and reported in 1946. His report was accepted by Government, which substantially scaled down the debts of the districts. One other item of note concerned the decision, which was made in 1944 by Canada and the United States, to study jointly the water resources of the Columbia River. Mr. R. C. Farrow was the first post-war Comptroller for the years 1946 to 1950, and during this time there was recruitment of staff, expansion of interest in hydrology, especially snow surveying, and renewed intensity in the general accumulation of data and the conduct of water-resource investigations. The agreement to conduct studies of the Fraser River jointly with the Government of Canada was made in 1948, and this work has been continuous until this time. It is also worthy of note that this period saw the commencement of such projects as Alcan's Kemano- Kitimat operation, the British Columbia Power Commission which was established with a large initial project on the Campbell River, and much other expansion to hydro-electric power generally. A joint committee headed by Major Farrow, and composed of senior members from British Columbia and Canada, planned the establishment of several projects for resettlement of veterans. It is unfortunate that Major Farrow died suddenly in office and was not permitted to complete the work he had commenced. Mr. J. E. Lane was in office for one year, retiring early in 1951. The substantial effort he contributed was made before he was Comptroller, and the highlights of his contributions over 30 years of the administrative life of this Branch and Service have already been commented on. Mr. E. H. Tredcroft was Comptroller from 1951 until his death in office late in 1954. It is difficult to place any substantial forward thrust in the 1950-55 period INTRODUCTION EE 13 as the Branch was moving forward with the momentum of the immediate post-war years and no single officer was in office long enough to effect substantial policy changes. There was, however, in this period great public activity and an ever- pressing demand for assistance and information. The present Comptroller, Mr. A. F. Paget, has held office since 1954, during which time the Branch has emerged to Departmental status. It is still too close in time to review any significant trends during this decade or to report on highlights as such. It is sufficient to say that the work of the Service has been expanded many times, the interests of officials have widened, and the complexities of dealing with matters concerning ordinary Water Act administration have greatly increased. The following sections represent a more detailed review of the history of water legislation in British Columbia and of the evolution of some of the more important functions involved in the administration of British Columbia's water resources. HISTORY OF WATER ADMINISTRATION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA Water Legislation The law of British Columbia with regard to water is based on the concept that water is property, and as such, under the British North America Act, comes under the jurisdiction of the Provinces, as has been substantiated by Court decisions. The jurisdiction of the Federal Government over water is therefore limited to special matters such as navigation and international streams, while all use of water within the Province comes under the control of Provincial Statutes. The most important single feature of British Columbia law with regard to water is the denial of " riparian rights," which are derived from English common law, and are still in force in much of the English-speaking world. These are the so-called " natural rights " which the natural position of the lands, through or adjoining which a natural stream flows, gives to their owner in and to such watercourse and to the use of the waters flowing therein. A riparian right applies particularly to the use of water for drinking and washing and severely limits its use for other purposes which might affect the rights of other riparian owners. Under a system of riparian rights, a riparian owner does not lose his right to take water simply because he has never exercised it. The riparian law still works well in countries where the supply of water is plentiful and where it is not used extensively for high-quantity uses such as irrigation and industrial use. However, the indequacy of the riparian law under British Columbia conditions was recognized at a very early time by the hydraulic miners of the Cariboo gold-rush days, who required an assured supply of water at places remote from streams or rivers. It was also apparent that an equally assured supply was needed for the growing of hay, for cattle-ranchers, and for the fruit-growers in the Interior. These users often required the complete flow of small streams continually over a long period to justify the very substantial investments that they were making to develop their holdings. The recognition of riparian rights would have prevented most of the agricultural development of the Southern Interior. The first legislation with regard to water in British Columbia is contained in the Gold Fields Act of 1859, in which it was provided, in effect, that (1) the Gold Commissioner could grant exclusive rights to the use of defined quantities of water, not necessarily for use by a riparian owner; (2) that the water-user would pay a rental to the Crown; (3) that neglect to use the water or wasting of the water would result in the cancellation of the privilege; EE 14 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE (4) that the holder of the right could sell the water, provided that he charged fair and non-discriminatory rates. These regulations were probably derived in part from the rules which the miners of California had applied there some 10 years earlier. All of the principles found in these old regulations are found today in our present Water Act. They were first applied to the use of water on cultivated land by a land ordinance of 1865, which provided for the diversion of any unoccupied water from a stream on the authority of the Stipendiary Magistrate for the district. Under the Water Privileges Act of 1892, provision was made for the use of water for purposes not covered by the Gold Fields Act or the Land Act upon application to a Judge of the Supreme Court. This Act is historically important because, for the first time, a definite declaration was made that all the water in the streams of the Province belonged to the Crown, and that no further riparian rights could be acquired. This Act was followed in 1897 by the Water Clauses Consolidation Act, which consolidated the various laws dealing with water and stated that a water right was appurtenant to the land or mine for which it was obtained and was deemed to pass with any conveyance of the land or mine. Another important provision of this Act made explicit an implied provision of the 1859 regulations that the privileges granted were conditioned upon the reasonable use of the water for the purposes for which they were granted. The rights to the use of water which were granted under these early laws were a matter of record in the books of officials scattered throughout the Province. These records were often very vague, resulting in frequent disputes and litigation. Accordingly, in 1909 the Legislature brought down the first so-called Water Act of the Province. This went into the matter of the acquisition and control of water rights in great detail and created a tribunal, called the Board of Investigation, which was set up to hear the claims of all persons holding records of water or other water rights and to prescribe the terms upon which new licences should be granted. In particular, the Board had authority to determine the priorities of the respective claimants to water from any stream, and to assign the quantity of water to which each claimant was entitled, to direct and establish the works of each claimant, to order the improvement of any works for the purpose of preventing waste, and to issue, in place of the record, a licence which set out all particulars accurately. The Board was actively engaged in this work for about 10 years, during which time about 8,000 orders were issued confirming and establishing rights by licence. A Water Act ol 1914 further clarified the application of principles which had been established by earlier legislation and set forth in great detail the procedure for obtaining a licence and keeping it in good standing. This Act definitely put an end to the rights of riparian owners who did not file their claims with the Board before June, 1916. The Water Act was drastically amended in 1939, and was cut down from more than 300 sections to about 80. The Board of Investigation was abolished, and most of its remaining functions were vested in the Comptroller of Water Rights. However, the fundamental principles of the earlier legislation remained unchanged. Since 1939 the Act has remained relatively unchanged, except for the addition of some sections concerning improvement districts. The most significant change since 1939 was an amendment made in 1960 to extend the provisions of the Water Act to ground-water, which had previously not been covered by the Act. Ground-water areas are to be proclaimed by Order in Council, and although this has not yet been done, a ground-water division has been set up in the Water Resources Service to carry out the technical work necessary to permit the control of ground-water use when this becomes necessary. INTRODUCTION EE 15 The principal features of the Water Act are as follows:— (1) The original right to the use of water is vested in the Crown and the right to individual use is subject to the holding of a licence and payment of annual rental to the Crown. (2) A licence which is not used is subject to cancellation. (3) Priorities between licences are determined by priority of date of licences. (4) The holder of a water licence has the right to expropriate land on which to construct his pipe-line or other works. (5) A municipality or improvement district for waterworks purpose has the right to expropriate any licence authorizing the diversion of water from any stream suitable for a water supply for the municipality or improvement district. The administration of water resources in British Columbia is carried out by the Water Rights Branch of the Water Resources Service. This Branch is under the direction of the Comptroller of Water Rights, who has the sole authority to issue licences for the use of water in the Province, and to cancel existing licences in case of failure by the licensee to comply with the requirements regarding the making of continuing beneficial use of the water and payment of annual rental to the Crown. An important feature of this administration is the delegation of authority to the local level, where engineers are required, under the Water Act, to interpret the existing water licences and regulate all use of water. There are at present District Engineers of the Water Rights Branch at Victoria, Mission City, Kelowna, Kamloops, Nelson, and Prince George. This authority at the local level is necessary because of the nature of water use, which requires an uninterrupted enjoyment of the water rights in question. For this reason, an immediate decision on the ground in cases of dispute is of much more value for the holder of a water right than an award of damages by a Court at a much later time. The decision of the Engineer may be appealed to the Comptroller, whose decision is, in turn, subject to appeal to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. The water law and its attendant administrative system which has evolved in British Columbia has, on the whole, worked very well: it has encouraged efficient use of water supplies, which in some areas are very limited, and has resulted in remarkably little litigation on water matters. There appears to be every reason to believe that it will continue to work well into the future because of its flexibility, which results from the requirement of continuing beneficial use of water as a condition of holding a right, from the protection which it affords to future requirements for waterworks purposes, and from the wide discretionary powers which are placed in the hands of the Comptroller of Water Rights. Local Administration of Water Use One of the most important features of the administration of water use in British Columbia has been the delegation of authority to officials on the ground to make decisions with regard to the interpretation of water rights and the regulation of water use. Although such decisions are subject to a right of appeal, they form the practical working basis for the administration of the water rights which are in existence at any particular time. By an early amendment of the first Water Act, this local authority, which had originally rested in the hands of Gold Commissioners, Land Commissioners, and Stipendiary Magistrates, was placed in the hands of Engineers appointed under the Water Act. The division of the Province into water districts and the appointment of Engineers thereto was first accomplished in 1913 pursuant to authority granted under EE 16 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE amendments to the Water Act in that year. Eight districts were established, as follows: Victoria (including Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Lillooet, and Quesnel Divisions), Kamloops, Nicola, Okanagan, Kettle Valley, Nelson, South-east Kootenay, North-east and North-west Kootenay. The Victoria District comprised practically the whole of the Province north of the Railway Belt, including Vancouver Island, and contained four divisions, with an Acting Engineer appointed to each of the Vancouver Island, Lillooet, and Quesnel Divisions and two Acting Engineers to the Vancouver Division. One District Engineer was appointed to each of the remaining districts, making a total of 12 Engineers assigned to work in the districts initially. The " Order of Work " assigned to the District Engineers in order of priority of the undertakings was as follows:— (1) Engineering investigation of old records in connection with the work of the Board of Investigation. (2) Systematic and continuous work in stream measurement. (3) A study of the proper duty of water for land under irrigation in the various areas. (4) The prevention of wasteful use of water. (5) Policing of use of water from streams. (6) Economic distribution and delivery of water. (7) Inspecting water systems to determine their efficiency and safety. (8) Determination of storage possibilities. (9) The investigation of water-power possibilities. Because of the urgency and importance of the Board's work in determining rights to the use of water so that water licences could issue and proper administration of water be established, the first function on the above list occupied most of the Engineers' time during the initial years. However, as the work required to be done for the Board became less demanding in some areas, the Engineers were able to devote more time to the other items on the " Order of Work," and the amount of information obtained and data compiled by this small group of Engineers on stream flows, water-power possibilities, storage possibilities, and other phases of water use is surprising. Having Engineers familiar with each area in the various districts also enabled the Comptroller to order special investigations made and to issue prompt decisions on contentious matters that otherwise might have dragged on indefinitely. An interesting description of the early Engineers' parties and their work in connection with investigation of water records is contained in the 1912 Report of the Water Rights Branch:— " Each party consisted of an engineer and his assistant who acted as rodman and axeman, but if there was heavy cutting to do the engineer was empowered to engage help. Meals were generally obtained at various ranches and only the tents and personal gear were carried. " The method used in locating ditches and intakes was generally by a compass survey with a transit, unless it was found that local attraction affected the compass- needle when deflection angles were resorted to. Comparative elevations were obtained by vertical angles and distances measured by stadia. After each record had been investigated and surveyed, a plat showing the information obtained; viz. intake, ditches, irrigable land and irrigated land was made to a scale of 20 chains to the inch, unless the details could not be shown to that scale, and attached to the copy of record together with the report and sent to headquarters at Victoria." INTRODUCTION EE 17 Although procedures have greatly changed in the interim, these early investigations and surveys of records set the pattern that is followed today by the Engineers of the district offices in investigating applications for water licences and in carrying out investigations and surveys to determine what development has been made under conditional water licences so that final water licences may issue. In the early years, district offices and Engineers were moved from area to area as the pressure of work dictated. Except for the Victoria office, the district offices at Kamloops and Nelson were the only ones remaining in their original locations from the time they were first established in 1913. The most urgent investigations and reports for the Board of Investigation were completed by 1918, so that the District Engineers were able to direct more attention to the administration of the water licences that had already been issued. The amendments to the Water Act in 1913 conveyed reasonably wide discretionary powers to the District Engineers in the exercise of their duties, and they were able to investigate and resolve many conflicts that otherwise would have required the attention of the Comptroller. The importance of the administrative aspect of the District Engineers' work has increased with the increase in the number of water licences in existence until it is now the major function of the district offices. After the First World War, the Board of Investigation, which subsequently became the Water Board, acquired its own staff of engineers, and by 1920 the permanent district offices, each in the charge of a District Engineer, assisted by an Assistant District Engineer, were functioning at Victoria, Kamloops, Kelowna, and Nelson, with a sub-office at Cranbrook. The engineer at Cranbrook was released in 1925 and the East Kootenay area, formerly administered from Cranbrook, was taken over by the Nelson District Engineer. All through the 1920's and 1930's the administrative work required of the district offices was handled entirely by the District Engineer. The full time of the Assistant District Engineers was occupied in carrying out surveys and preparing reports on the use of water that had been developed by the licensees under the conditional water licences issued pursuant to the " Orders " of the Board of Investigation, or which had resulted from applications made under the provisions of the Water Act. Lack of accommodation and poor travelling conditions were two of the major difficulties facing the Assistant District Engineers in carrying out the early water- licence surveys. These difficulties were overcome by carrying their own camping equipment and by renting horses and wagons from local ranchers when it became necessary to get into areas otherwise inaccessible. Field trips of extended duration were the rule, with the parties resorting to their own camp cooking when other arrangements for meals could not be made. During the war period 1939-45, little expansion in district office activities was possible because of manpower shortages and restrictions on purchases and travel, which replaced the depression conditions of the late thirties. The post-war period saw a rapid increase in demand for engineering services from the district offices and for administrative attention to water licenses, especially in those areas where the available sources of water had become nearly fully recorded. The services of the Assistant District Engineers were required more and more to assist the District Engineers in the administrative responsibilities and to carry out engineering investigations. Temporary summer survey assistants, usually university students on summer vacation, were hired to carry out surveys for final licences and, more lately, permanent technical personnel have been added to the staff of the major offices. EE 18 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Improved transportation and accommodation facilities have reduced the need for extended field trips. Except for inspections and surveys of storage dams or proposed storage sites on the headwaters of streams, little of the work is far from well- travelled roads. Because of increased activity and interest in water in the northerly part of the Province, it became expedient to open a new district office in Prince George in June, 1958. Also, because of increased activity and to reduce travelling from Victoria, a new district office was opened in Mission City in June, 1961, to administer the Vancouver Water District, formerly part of the Victoria District Office responsibility. Improvement Districts An interesting feature of the Water Act is the facility which it offers for the establishment of a rudimentary form of local government. In 1920 the Act was amended to provide for the incorporation of an organization designated as an " improvement district." It was considered necessary at that time to create these public corporate bodies to take over, operate, and maintain irrigation systems previously owned and operated by the land companies and their subsidiary water companies, mainly in the Okanagan area. For many years, improvement districts were incorporated with only one or more of the following objects: Irrigation, domestic water, sewerage, dyking, drainage, electric light and power. However, in 1939 the Water Act was amended to permit the incorporation of improvement districts " with such objects as appear advisable," and, as a result, districts have been incorporated since for many different purposes. As most districts are in unorganized areas of the Province, their formation permits the enjoyment in such areas of certain services not otherwise available. Upon petition from the land-owners in an area signifying that a substantial majority are in favour of incorporation, Letters Patent are published bringing the district into being under the name chosen by the land-owners and with the object or objects set out therein in accordance with the petition. Improvement districts are managed by elected Trustees, usually serving on a voluntary basis, who have relatively wide powers, including those of taxation, tax sale, and borrowing. The number of Trustees required to run the district and the procedure to elect such Trustees are contained in the Letters Patent, together with certain oher procedural and administrative detail. Unlike most other forms of local government, which can afford to employ key personnel with specialized knowledge to assist the elected officials, the Trustees of improvement districts generally have to run the affairs of their districts without such aid. As a result, the Water Rights Branch is called upon to assist with many matters concerning the administration and operation of improvement districts, particularly in the fields of legal work, accounting, and engineering. For this reason, an Improvement Districts Section has been set up, consisting of the Branch solicitor, an audit accountant, an Inspector of Districts, and an engineering group. This Section does a great deal of work connected with the preparation and registration of by-laws, arranging for Provincial guarantee of borrowings, issue of debentures, supervision and assistance in accounting methods and the preparation of financial returns, investigation into the feasibility and preparation of engineering plans for domestic and irrigation and sewerage systems, and advice on general administration. Water-power Administration The administration of the use of water for the generation of electric power has been one of the responsibilities of the Water Rights Branch from the Branch's incep- INTRODUCTION EE 19 tion. From an administrative point of view, the use of water for the generation of power is inseparable from its use for any other purposes. However, the use of water for power poses a number of special problems because of the vast amounts of water involved and the effect of hydro-power projects particularly some of the vast projects now conceived, on other resource use and on the public at large. Another special consideration with power licences is that rentals paid for the use of water for power purposes have become an important source of revenue, which for 1964, will amount to approximately $2,000,000. Power-licence rentals, unlike water rentals for other purposes, are related to the benefit obtained rather than to the quantity of water licensed. Since these benefits are measured in terms of the size of the installation and the quantity of power generated each year, computations of power rentals must be carried out each year for each plant in the Province. The duties and responsibilities of the Water Rights Branch with regard to the use of water for power purposes have evolved gradually with the general evolution of water administration in British Columbia. The first reference in the general Statutes of British Columbia to the use of water for the generation of electric power is contained in the Water Privileges Actoi 1892, which was described as " An Act to confirm to the Crown all unrecorded and unappropriated water and water power in the Province." This legislation was undoubtedly made necessary by the passage, during the same session of the Legislature, of private Acts incorporating the Coquitlam Electric Company Limited, with water rights on the Coquitlam and Lynn Rivers; the Nelson Electric Light Company Limited, with water rights on Cottonwood Creek; and the North Vancouver Electric Company Limited, with water rights on Seymour Creek and Capilano River. Another Act at the same session conferred water rights on the Kootenay Power Company Limited for the purpose of generating 5,000 horsepower of electric power on the Kootenay River. Although the earliest water rights for power purposes were conferred by private Acts of the Legislature, the acquisition of rights for power purposes was soon put on the same basis as the acquisition of rights for other purposes. The Water Clauses Consolidation Act of 1897 provided that power companies might acquire records of unrecorded water in the same manner as was required for obtaining records of unrecorded water for domestic, mining, and agricultural purposes. The administration of water rights for power purposes thus became a part of the general administration of water rights. This pattern was followed in the first Water Act of 1909 and in subsequent revisions of the Water Act to the present time. Some early hydro-power projects were located in areas in which the water resources were administered by the Federal Government, which issued the original licences for such projects. Jurisdiction over these water resources was transferred to the Province about 1914. The payment of a rental to the Crown for the right to use water was established in the Gold Fields Act of 1859, which was the first legislation affecting the use of water in British Columbia. Provision for the payment of rental for water used for power purposes was contained in the private Acts which granted the first water rights for power purposes in 1892, and this principle was confirmed in the Water Clauses Consolidation Act of 1897, and in all subsequent water legislation. The scale of rental charges has varied from time to time with changing concepts with regard to the value of hydro-power resources, the present charge amounting to about one-sixth of a mill per kilowatt-hour at a normal power utility load factor. This is in the order of 5 per cent of the cost of generating power in the largest and most economical of the undeveloped hydro resources available for development now. Power-licence rental for the Kitimat-Kemano project of Alcan is charged on the basis of a special EE 20 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE agreement which relates the power rental to quantity of aluminum produced and the price of aluminum on the world market, but all other power-licence rentals in the Province are based on the current tariff of fees, rentals, and charges which is established by Order in Council. Jurisdiction as to the adequacy of works authorized by water licences and the manner in which they are operated rests with the Comptroller of Water Rights. This responsibility has become increasingly pressing in the case of major power licences as a result of increasing population and the pressure of other resource uses which have enlarged the areas of possible conflict between power and other interests. This is inevitable because a major power project usually involves a complete reshaping of the flow pattern of a large stream, resulting in the creation of both benefits and losses to the various interests involved. Although in most cases the benefits exceed the losses, there is often a possibility that a changed pattern of operation could maximize the benefits and minimize the losses in the set of circumstances which exists at any particular time. It is therefore the function of the Comptroller to safeguard the public interest with regard to major works for the diversion and storage of water, both with respect to their safety and to the manner in which they are operated. The general powers by which this can be done are provided by the Water Act, but in view of the recognition of the growing importance of this matter, specific provision for the jurisdiction of the Comptroller has been made in the storage licences recently issued for the Columbia and Peace River projects by the inclusion of clauses which provide that the plans for the projects must be approved by the Comptroller before the works can be constructed, and that the works shall be operated to provide such releases of water as the Comptroller may direct. The investigation of sources of potential water power has developed concurrently with the administrative function with regard to water power. In part this has resulted from the technical requirements for successful administration of water- power resources, but also it has resulted from the recognition of the economic importance of cheap hydro-electric power. For these reasons, the Water Rights Branch commenced potential water-power investigations immediately after its formation in 1909. At that time several small water-power installations were already in operation. The fact that the control over public utilities was one of the functions under the Water Act prior to 1939 also made it necessary to carry out engineering investigations of the existing and proposed water-based utilities. Initial power investigations were undertaken in co-operation with the Canada Commission of Conservation, which agency published a review of British Columbia water powers in 1919. By 1925 the engineers of the Water Rights Branch had produced some 120 reports on potential power-sites. As could be expected, most of these early investigations covered small power-sites where capital requirements for a development would be moderate and where the size of hydraulic structures would be manageable in terms of construction methods and equipment that had been developed by that time. In subsequent years, influenced by the growth of the over-all economy of the Province and by the technological advances made by the construction industry, main emphasis in water-power investigations shifted to large power schemes involving high dams, large reservoirs, diversion of water from one watershed to another, and large turbine and generator units. In 1950 some 75 additional reports on potential power projects had been prepared, including some with a large potential, such as Nechako-Kemano project, which had been accepted as basis for actual development. In addition, extensive studies had been commenced on the Fraser River basin power potential in connec- INTRODUCTION EE 21 tion with the Federal-Provincial Fraser River Board investigations into Fraser River flood-control possibilities. Similar basin-wide water-power development planning had commenced on the Columbia River basin in co-operation with United States agencies. The Water Rights Branch played a very active part in these studies, which are now nearing completion. A total of nearly 230 reports dealing with potential water-power sites in the Province has been produced by the engineers of the Water Rights Branch during the past 50 years. Based on these and several other investigations carried out by private interests, the undeveloped prime power potential of the Province is currently estimated to be at least 22 million kilowatts. There has, however, been a marked trend throughout the world toward the upward revision of estimates of hydro resources. In British Columbia the 1919 estimate of undeveloped potential hydro power was 2XA million horsepower; the 1954 estimate was 10 million horsepower; while the 1961 estimate of 22 million kilowatts represents nearly 30 million horsepower. On this basis it seems reasonable to say that the undeveloped hydro resources of British Columbia are probably capable of supporting a generator installation of the order of 70 million kilowatts, and that the ultimate figure may easily be as high as 100 million kilowatts. Water-supply and Reclamation Investigations Associated with a land boom that started at the turn of this century, numerous community irrigation projects were in existence in the dry Interior, particularly in the Okanagan Valley, when the Water Rights Branch was formed in 1909. With very few exceptions, these private developments were speculative in nature and the construction was of low standard. These circumstances compelled the engineers of the Water Rights Branch to undertake intensive engineering and economic studies of the community irrigation systems and their rehabilitation. Ever since, the Branch has been very active in irrigation water-supply development projects, giving engineering assistance to individuals as well as irrigation districts and guiding orderly expansion of the irrigated agricultural land. Among the major projects noteworthy is the irrigation system constructed by the Province for the Southern Okanagan Lands Project after the First World War, for which a separate review has been prepared. Municipal and industrial water-supply developments have been similarly attended to by the Water Rights Branch, particularly in the earlier years when the municipalities had not yet reached their present strength and when experienced consulting engineers were scarce. As an example, the development of the Greater Vancouver Water District was based on the recommendations made by the Water Rights Branch in 1922. A large number of new communities in unorganized territory of the Province have received engineering advice on their community water- supply systems and have been formed into improvement districts to operate their systems. This task has been rapidly increasing in the recent past. The engineers of the Water Rights Branch have prepared some 225 reports on various water-supply problems during the past 50 years. Flood control, dyking and drainage, and river improvement work in our Province have mostly been carried out under special legislation not directly involving the Water Act. Therefore, the Water Rights Branch undertook only a few engineering studies in its field prior to 1945. However, the Branch gave engineering advice to the Government in connection with private dyking and drainage districts. In the more recent past a number of engineering investigations have been carried out on major and minor flooding and erosion problems. As it was mentioned EE 22 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE earlier, the Branch has made intensive studies for the Federal-Provincial Fraser River Board in developing a flood-control programme for the whole river basin. The Branch also participated in the development of the Okanagan flood-control project. A total of some 110 reports has been prepared on flooding, erosion, and other water-damage problems since 1945. Hydrologic Investigations When the Water Rights Branch commenced control over the use of surface waters in the Province in 1909, one of the most serious problems was the complete lack of stream-flow data. Observations made at a few rain gauges at valley-bottoms were the only basic hydrometeorological information available at that time. The Branch immediately commenced systematic observations on stream flow by installing gauges and carrying out discharge measurements. At the same time, Dominion authorities initiated stream-gauging in the Railway Belt, which at that time was outside of the Provincial jurisdiction. A few years later the maintenance and development of the stream-gauging network was assigned under an agreement to the Dominion, where it still rests at this time. The Water Rights Branch, being a major user of hydrologic data, is closely associated with the over-all development of the stream-gauging network. In 1953 the Water Rights Branch initiated snow surveys in the Province and has gradually expanded the snow-course network over the whole Province. Spring run-off volume forecasts have been made for a number of years on major streams. Every engineering investigation discussed in the foregoing has included also a hydrologic study in order to ascertain the available water supply, or the maximum discharge which will have to be safely accommodated at a dam or improved channel, or to anticipate the flood levels of a lake or stream. Due to the mountainous character of the Province and the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, the climate and hydrology of British Columbia are very complex and require many more years of study and observations before our knowledge in this field reaches a satisfactory level. Ground-water Investigations Generally speaking, the Province is well endowed by nature with good surface- water supplies. However, there are areas where surface supplies become critical in a dry year or are beyond an economically feasible distance. In such areas, and particularly for individual households, ground-water, where available, offers a solution to water-supply problems. The Water Rights Branch, during the first decade of its operation, attempted to assist individuals in their search for ground-water by operating well-drilling rigs. For several reasons, this policy did not prove to be workable and it was terminated. From time to time, minor ground-water investigations were carried out by the engineers in connection with small community water-supply problems. Systematic ground-water studies commenced in 1961 and are presently being expanded THE WATER RIGHTS BRANCH WATER RESOURCES SERVICE THE WATER RIGHTS BRANCH The Water Rights Branch is the agency of the Provincial Government which administers the control and use of surface water under the authority of the Water Act. The main principles of the Water Act regarding the use of water are:-— (1) The property in and the right to the use and flow of all the water at any time in any stream in the Province are for all purposes vested in the Crown in right of the Province. The common-law principle of riparian water right has been abolished. (2) Licence-holders have a right to the use of water under the terms and conditions of the water licence issued by the Comptroller of Water Rights. Earlier licences have priority over licences issued later. (3) Retention of a water licence is dependent upon the beneficial use of the water, payment of the water-licence rentals, and observance of the regulations of the Water Act. (4) A water licence is generally made appurtenant to a parcel of land, mine, or undertaking, and it will pass with any conveyance or other disposition thereof. (5) If it is necessary that a water licensee construct works on another person's land, he can expropriate the land reasonably required if an amenable agreement cannot be reached. If the works will be on Crown land, the water licensee may acquire a permit to occupy Crown land for such purpose. The second major function of the Water Rights Branch is to generally supervise and assist the administration of the improvement districts which have been incorporated under the Water Act for irrigation, waterworks, drainage, dyking, street-lighting, providing financial aid to hospitals, fire protection, and several other purposes. An improvement district is a self-governing public corporate body administered by elected Trustees. The undertakings of an improvement district can be financed by Provincially guaranteed debenture issues. The administration of the Water Act is carried out by the Comptroller of Water Rights, and his staff are located at a headquarters office in Victoria and district offices at Victoria, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nelson, Prince George, and Mission City. Water is a natural resource which often has a controlling influence on economic development of other resources and, therefore, is in competitive demand by the utilizers of other resources. Much of the vast industrial expansion presently occurring in this Province is associated with the use of British Columbia water. A large number of communities have been incorporated into improvement districts under the Water Act to operate community projects and provide essential amenities. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 25 WATER RIGHTS BRANCH G. J. A. Kidd, P.Eng., Deputy Comptroller The Water Rights Branch during 1963 was more closely associated than ever with the matters of water licensing and the administration of the Water Act. The general field of water investigation, hydrology, and scientific and technical studies was divorced from the Comptroller and placed under the direction of the newly created Water Investigations Branch. In many areas of water development and resource use there are, however, no clearly defined boundaries of separate responsibilities, and close liaison between the two branches remains a continuing necessity. The general reorganization of the Service saw strengthening of the Water Rights Branch. Eleven new positions were created, most being in the District Engineers' offices, where constantly expanding activities have created fairly large backlogs of unfinished work. An administration officer was appointed to supervise the operations of the General Office and the Draughting Office, where much of the work of licensing is carried forward. Work associated with improvement districts has expanded greatly, and the personnel engaged on this have been formed into a separate division under the direction of the solicitor. Help is still needed from the District Engineers' offices, and special assignments in the Service are made to keep up with the pressure of work arising from the requirements of the constantly increasing number of districts. The Municipal Aid and Development Bank policies of the Federal Government have encouraged construction on many projects that had previously been considered uneconomical. The Power and Major Licences Division have been increasingly active in connection with the Columbia and Peace River projects, and with the approval of plans for these projects in accordance with the terms of the water licences which were issued. This section is now composed of five engineers, who, in addition to the duties set out above, compose the nucleus for the digital computer studies for the Service and in addition calculate power rentals and billings. ORGANIZATION CHART OF THE WATER RIGHTS BRANCH, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER, 1963 Comptroller of Water Rights (A. F. Paget) Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights (G. J. A. Kidd) Improvement Districts Division (A. K. Sutherland, Solicitor) (P. J. Leslie, Engineer) District Engineer Division (M. L. Zirul) Power and Major Licences Division (H. D. DeBeck) (D. B. Tanner) District Engineers Victoria—C. Errington Kamloops—P. G. Odynsky Kelowna—R. G. Harris Nelson—R. A. Pollard Prince George—C. K. Harman Mission City—E. G. Harrison Water Licencing Division (D. E. Smuin) Chief Clerk Chief Draughtsman EE 26 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE The Deputy Comptroller has worked as a principal technical adviser to the British Columbia group negotiating the sale of down-stream benefits during the year and received support for this work from the Power and Major Licences Division. A distressing falling-off in effective dealing with water matters under the Act took place this year, notwithstanding the increased assistance provided within the establishment for administration officers. It is thought that the bodily move of files and personnel during the year and a substantial recruitment of new staff are likely to be the reasons responsible for this situation, which will receive intensive review in the ensuing year. Number of applications for water licences reached a new record this year, with ever-increasing difficulties experienced in the administrative procedures attendant thereto. WATER LICENCING DIVISION D. E. Smuin, Administrative Officer The Water Licencing Division is the instrument through which the Comptroller of Water Rights carries out his statutory responsibility as set out in the Water Act and regulations with regard to the issue of new water licences and the amendment of existing water licences. This involves the maintenance of a complex record system consisting of files, maps, and indexes of various sorts. At present there are approximately 20,000 active water licences, and the new number of applications received in 1963 reached a record high of 1,295. These existing licences and the new applications overlap and interlock in many ways, and often call for water greatly in excess of that available in the lakes, streams, and springs. Each new application has to be considered in respect to the amount of water available, the effect on prior rights, the suitability and security of the proposed works, and the intention of the applicant to use the water beneficially. The district offices of the Branch, in processing applications, make recommendations to the Comptroller following on-the-site inspections, which, in most cases, are the substantial guides to the Comptroller's decisions. The activities of the Water Licencing Division are divided between its two sections—the General Office, under the supervision of the Chief Clerk, and the Administrative Draughting Office, under the supervision of the Chief Draughtsman. Reports of the activities for 1963 of these two offices follow. General Office The Application Section of the Licencing Division receives all new applications and processes them through various stages until either a licence issues or the application is abandoned, cancelled, or refused. Any objections to the issuance of a licence are investigated, and in some cases hearings are held in making final determination whether or not a licence should issue. In addition to the foregoing, the Application Section is responsible for answering all inquiries concerning water rights applications and also for the filing, indexing, and recording of all applications and of all written matters dealing with these. The Amendment Section deals with applications for amendments to existing licences, including apportionments, transfers of appurtenances, changes of works, and sundry amendments. Water licences are usually made appurtenant to land, and should the land be subdivided the rights and obligations granted and imposed under a licence may be apportioned among the owners of the several parcels comprising the lands to which the licence is appurtenant. The Amendment Section, in conjunction with WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 27 the appropriate District Engineer, ensures that each land-owner obtains his right in proportion to his interest in the licence. Transfers of appurtenancies are required when a licensee wishes to include additional land or to restrict the land to which the licence is made appurtenant. The licence may be transferred in whole or in part to land owned by the licensee or to another owner's land upon approval of the Comptroller. No additional diversion of water may be authorized under any amendment to a licence or under any licence issued in replacement for another licence. Changes of works authorize the construction and maintenance of additional or other works than those previously authorized. During recent years one of the major changes has resulted from the replacement of irrigation ditches by pipe and sprinkler systems. Sundry amendments include the issuance of orders authorizing extensions of time for the completion of works, corrections of errors in a licence, changes of purpose, quantity, etc. The Amendment Section is also responsible for maintaining records and information regarding water-users' communities. The water-users' community is a voluntary form of organization incorporated under the Water Act and made up of a small group of six or more water-licence holders with most of the powers of an irrigation district. These are formed by a certificate of incorporation issued by the Comptroller. There were 67 water-users' communities in existence in the Province at the end of 1963. Since each water-users' community is made up a group of water-licence holders, the certificate must be amended each time the property covered by the licence changes hands, or whenever a new member is added to the community. Licences may be abandoned by licensees at any time. However, the cancellation of licences must be done in compliance with the Water Act, which entails searches of land titles in Land Registry Offices and the Surveyor of Taxes office. The main reasons for cancellation of licences are non-payment of rentals, non- beneficial use of water, and non-construction of works. The applications received and the statutory procedures carried out by the General Office in the 12-month period ended October 31, 1963, are shown in the following table, together with the same data for the four preceding years. This information is presented graphically on Plates 1, 2, and 3. General Office Activities for 12-month Period Ended October 31 for Each Year, 1959-63 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1,038 42 23 75 69 109 939 36 31 115 84 160 - 1,102 25 31 175 67 184 17 1,186 55 59 105 69 166 10 1,295 56 Applications for change of appurtenancy. __ 62 160 102 161 21 Totals 1,356 1,370 1,601 1,651 1,857 2,364 190 2,293 222 2,669 384 2,652 341 2,264 306 Totals 2,554 2,515 3,053 2,993 2,570 850 274 718 228 810 220 880 200 662 229 Totals 1,124 946 1,030 1,080 891 Rights-of-way issued 112 183 - 185 17 203 10 162 Approvals issued - - 21 Totals 112 188 202 213 183 5,213 113 4,987 114 5,724 133 5,980 137 5,536 155 Average monthly applications EE 28 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE APPLICATIONS 1500 1000 500 1/ / y w V / ' rr / / / \ / \, I / !/ \ \ y / ■. s 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 I960 1961 1962 1963 RECEIVED OUTSTANDING Plate 1. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 29 CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP C1\J\J v 2500 \ \ \ \ 2000 1500 1000 500 0 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 I960 1961 1962 1963 Plate 2. EE 30 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE LAND CLEARANCES IOOOO 5000 0 19 53 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 I960 1961 1962 19 Plate 3. 63 WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 31 Administrative Draughting Office The staff of the Draughting Office is composed of a Chief Draughtsman, a Supervising Draughtsman, seven draughtsmen, and a clerk. The main functions of this office are checking the legal status of water applications, maintaining stream registers and plan indexes, compiling and maintaining water rights maps, preparing plats for licences, clearing land applications for the Lands Branch, attending to requests for maps and various information from our district offices from various departments of Government and from the public, checking petitions, and preparing legal descriptions and plans for improvement districts. Applications for water licences received by the Licensing Division are cleared through the Draughting Office, and a complete check is made of the legal status of every application received. In most cases this work entails a search of the records of other departments of Government, such as Lands Branch, Land Registry Offices, Surveyor of Taxes, Department of Highways, and Department of Mines and Petroleum Resources. By checking the records of these departments, it is possible to obtain correct legal descriptions of property, check ownership, and see if conflicts exist with the interests of other Government departments. Upon completion of this work, all applications are entered on the water rights map and in the stream registers, which together form a record of all pertinent data regarding water licences and applications. The Draughting Office also prepares the plats which are attached to every water licence issued. These plats consist of a plan of the licensee's property and are drawn on a large scale. They show in detail all works, such as the intake point, pipe-lines, pumps, power-house, and buildings where water is to be used. All applications to purchase or lease Crown lands or foreshore received by the Lands Branch together with all applications for Crown grants are channelled through this office for clearance. These applications are cleared against the water rights maps to ascertain if there are any conflicts with works for existing water licences. A major function of this Office is the checking of petitions pertaining to improvement districts and other co-operative work with the Departmental Solicitor and the Improvement District Division. This solves searches of the records of the Land Registry Office and Surveyor of Taxes to obtain correct property descriptions. When a petition to incorporate an improvement district has been checked and found satisfactory, a plan showing all lands within the boundaries of the proposed district is drawn up and a legal description defining the boundaries of the district is prepared. Following incorporation of a district, copies of the Letters Patent and plans are sent to the Land Registry Office, Surveyor of Taxes, Department of Highways, Water Rights district offices, and the improvement district. This work accounts for about 25 per cent of the Draughting Office's time. During 1963, 14 new districts were incorporated and the boundaries of 38 districts were amended. The following table illustrates the work carried out by the Draughting Office during the past two years:— 1962 1%3 New water applications cleared and plotted on maps.. 1,097 1,269 Final- and conditional-licence plats compiled and traced 1,195 2,181 New water rights maps compiled and traced 49 9 Water rights maps revised 19 10 New improvement districts described and plans prepared 10 14 Improvement districts descriptions and plans amended 42 38 Reference maps renewed 36 30 EE 32 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Change of ownership, apportionments, cancellations, etc. 3,213 2,868 Land clearances (purchases, Crown grants, leases, etc.) 6,700 6,808 Land clearances (cancellations) 1,660 1,493 Rights-of-way over Crown land 203 162 Totals 14,224 13,982 DISTRICT ENGINEERS DIVISION M. L. Zirul, P.Eng., Chief District Engineer The District Engineers and their staffs located at the six district offices within the Province are charged with the general administration of the Water Act, which includes reporting on applications for new licences and such other matters of an engineering or administrative nature to which they are referred. The six district offices are located at Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Nelson, Prince George, and Mission City. To facilitate administration, a revision of water district boundaries and reallocation between district offices of responsibility for some areas was carried out this year. Responsibility for the administration of water matters within the new Quesnel Water District, which combines the former Quesnel and Barkerville Water Districts, was transferred from Kamloops to the Prince George District Office. The staff of the Prince George District Office was enlarged by adding an engineering assistant, and a clerk-typist was engaged on a temporary basis. In addition, an engineer-in-training was added to the staff at Kelowna and an engineer- in-training and a field survey assistant at Nelson. There have been several staff changes during the year occurring as a result of promotions and transfers within the Service. A vigorous policy concerning dam investigations is now in hand. New dams must be built safely and older structures improved where the safety is in doubt. The Kelowna office has made a good start in an over-all programme of dam inspections and inventory this year. The Chief District Engineer is responsible to the Comptroller and Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights for the general supervision of the staff of the district offices and their work. Several trips were made to the Kamloops, Kelowna, Nelson, and Mission City District Offices, and field trips were made with the Kamloops and Kelowna District Engineers on dam inspections, and with the Nelson District Engineer to investigate a restoration proposal at Fort Steele in the East Kootenay area. Reports submitted by the District Engineers were reviewed before passing on for the Comptroller's attention, and one report, on a possible flooding hazard on the lower Capilano River in North Vancouver, was prepared. The District Engineers at Kamloops and Kelowna were assisted in the review of plans and specifications for some of the larger earth-fill storage dams proposed for construction in then- area. The reports of the separate District Engineers follow. Victoria District Office C. Errington, P.Eng., District Engineer The Victoria District Office administers water rights matters over the whole of Vancouver Island and the adjacent islands. The Nanaimo Water District was WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 33 enlarged during 1963 to take in the northern part of the Island, formerly in the Vancouver District. As new roads are pushed forward to open up unsettled land, the number of applications for water rights increases. This has been very noticeable recendy in areas like Port Renfrew, Tofino, and Kelsey Bay. In the same way, with new and improved island ferry service now in effect, much new development is evident in the Gulf Islands. On the south-east coast region of Vancouver Island, from Qualicum to Sooke, where the population is heaviest, there are few streams of any size which have unrecorded water in quantities suitable for industrial or irrigation purposes without storage. A number of small sources are still available for domestic licences, and the investigation of application on these takes up a large proportion of the District Engineer's time. The meteorological data for 1963 at Nanaimo, Victoria, Alberni, and Campbell River show twice the long-term average precipitation for July and about a half of the long-term average for September. The four summer months had a total precipitation of 5.61 inches, which could be considered normal. With a wet July, annual complaints connected with a shortage of water were at a minimum. Summary of Year's Work Total applications received 136 Conditional licences issued 96 Final licences issued 40 Conditional licences reported on 113 Licences abandoned or cancelled 31 A plebiscite was held in connection with the Mill Bay Waterworks District. During the period under review some 21 special studies, investigations, and reports were made. Kelowna District Office R. G. Harris, P.Eng., District Engineer The Kelowna District Office administers the Princeton, Fairview, Grand Forks, Vernon, and Revelstoke Water Districts, which comprise the Kettle, Similkameen, and Okanagan drainage basins, the Shuswap River drainage basin above Sicamous, and the part of the Columbia River drainage basin centred around Revelstoke. The staff of the Kelowna District Office was increased this year by the addition of an engineer-in-training. The use of water in this area is continuing to increase, resulting in a heavier demand on the District Office. A record number of applications were received and processed by the District Office. A large portion of the field staff's time is now occupied in carrying out surveys for water-supply investigations and storage development. The work dealing with water-supply problems for waterworks and irrigation is assuming greater importance, as there is a growing demand for central water supplies and replacement or extension to existing water-supply systems. Of considerable importance is the continued and expanding programme of inspection and surveys of existing storage-works, and a total of 109 inspections and surveys of existing and proposed storage-works was made during the year. This work is being carried out in conjunction with a water-resources study being made by the District Offices. As a result of inspections, remedial work was ordered on several dams, and in some cases replacement of the structure was ordered. The uncertain condition of many of these dams indicates that a programme of EE 34 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE inspection and survey will continue to be an important function of the District Office. A number of surveys and studies of proposed dam-sites was completed. Development of additional storage at existing sites is also being considered in a number of areas where there is now a lack of further suitable storage-sites. There are 70 improvement districts and 18 water-users' communities within the area administered by the Kelowna District Office. The improvement districts are incorporated for various purposes, amongst which irrigation, waterworks, and fire protection are the most common. Members of the staff are frequently requested to attend general or trustees' meetings to discuss district affairs and to assist in the organization of new districts. A summary of the activity connected with water-licence applications for the years 1959 to 1963, inclusive, is given below. Year Water Applications Received Reports on Water Applications Applications Cancelled or Abandoned Total Applications Disposed of 1959 156 193 168 115 211 112 141 146 153 177 10 22 13 21 18 122 1960 163 1961 159 1962 1963 174 195 Summary of Year's Work Applications— Applications on hand, November 1, 1962 84 New applications received 211 Applications inspected and reported on 177 Applications cancelled or abandoned 18 Applications on hand, November 1, 1963 100 Surveys for final-licence and licence amendments, irrigation, etc 91 Dam inspections 109 Investigations of an engineering nature 94 Major Engineering Investigations and Studies on Water Supply and Distribution 1. Canyon Waterworks District.—Investigations of new sources and replacement of existing works. 2. Black Mountain Irrigation District.—Report and estimate of cost of developing a new supply and replacing existing works. 3. Larkin Waterworks District.—Prepared plan of existing works and investigated additional water supply. 4. Grandview Waterworks District.—Investigation with recommendations for correction of losses in district's distribution system. 5. Shanboolard Waterworks.—Inspection with preparation of plans and report on existing system. 6. South Vernon Irrigation District.—Preparation of plan of existing system with recommendations regarding distribution and control. 7. Ellison Irrigation District.—The district was assisted in pressurizing part of its system. Plans of installed system are being prepared. 8. Westbank Irrigation District.—Preliminary inspection of diversion-works and distribution system in connection with District's request for assistance under A.R.D.A. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 35 Kamloops District Office P. G. Odynsky, P.Eng., District Engineer The Kamloops District Office is charged with administering the Water Act over the central section of the Fraser River drainage basin from Boston Bar north to McLeese Lake, near Macalister, including the watershed of the Chilcotin River and the headwaters of the Dean River, the watershed of the North Thompson River, and the watershed of the Canoe River down to its confluence with the Columbia River. The area is divided into four water districts—Ashcroft, Cariboo, Kamloops, and Nicola. The average yearly precipitation within the water districts under the Kamloops office varies from 7 inches at Ashcroft and 10 inches at Kamloops to 20 inches at Williams Lake, 14 inches at Kleena Kleene, and 21 inches at Salmon Arm, and irrigation is required in all areas to grow crops successfully. The majority of the water licences issued are for irrigation or for storage to supplement irrigation requirements. The 1963 water-year started poorly, due to the previous winter's snowfall being abnormally light and resulting in storage deficiencies in many areas at the beginning of the season. By the end of May the lack of winter snow assisted by prolonged warm temperatures resulted in water shortages on many streams, and warm temperatures, continuing through June, aggravated the situation. Fortunately showery weather occurred in July and often enough through the ensuing two months to alleviate most of the water shortage in streams and lakes in all of the water districts. In the Ashcroft, Kamloops, and Nicola Water Districts the number of streams fully recorded is increasing rapidly, and on many of these the storage possibilities are also fully developed. A trend toward pumping water from the larger rivers for irrigation use on the bordering bench-lands is evident and should increase markedly, particularly as electric power becomes more readily available, as these streams comprise the last large resources of unrecorded water in these districts. About 400 storage dams are under licence in the four water districts to provide water for irrigation, and many of the small streams are controlled to the full extent of the economically feasible storage-sites. Storage dams can impose a serious hazard on life and property down-stream if they are improperly constructed or maintained, and for this reason the construction of new dams and the maintenance of existing dams is supervised by the Water Rights Branch, with inspections by district offices carried out as often as possible. The steady increase in population, land setdement, and industry throughout the area is accompanied by an increasing demand for water. The increase in the number of water applications received and the number inspected and reported upon is illustrated in the following table:— Water Reports on Applications Water Year Received Applications 1959 221 151 1960 186 133 1961 237 95 1962 300 163 1963 330 314 Summary of Year's Work Water applications received 330 Water applications inspected and reported 314 EE 36 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Final-licence surveys reported 107 Applications for amendment of licences reported on 46 Dam inspections 50 Dam failures inspected and reported on 2 Miscellaneous field investigations and surveys 90 Meetings with improvement districts and others 25 Court actions over water rights attended 2 Engineering Investigations Reported On 1. Dragon Creek flooding in the Town of Quesnel. 2. Drainage of Chilanko River marshes. 3. Preliminary report for domestic water supply for Westsyde Road community. 4. Spences Bridge Waterworks District water-line installations. 5. Hillcrest Waterworks District water supply. 6. Pemberton Creek flooding of certain lands. 7. Water study of Williams Lake. 8. Design of dam for Doctors Lake. 9. Renewal of Spences Bridge Waterworks District water system (report pending). Nelson District Office R. A. Pollard, P.Eng., District Engineer The Nelson District Office administers the Water Act in the Nelson, Kaslo, Cranbrook, Fernie, and Golden Water Districts within South-eastern British Columbia. As a result of amendments to boundaries in 1963, the old New Denver Water District was absorbed by the Nelson Water District, and the old Windermere Water District was divided and absorbed by the Cranbrook and Golden Water Districts. The Nelson and Kaslo Water Districts comprise the West Kootenay area, while the Cranbrook, Fernie, and Golden Water Districts comprise the East Kootenay. Annual valley-floor precipitation averages around 12 inches in the East Kootenay area and 26 inches in die West Kootenay. The East Kootenay is generally higher, the winters colder, and the summers drier than in the West Kootenay; The East Kootenay valleys are wider, and the terrain is more park-like and not so heavily timbered. With the exception of a few somewhat extensive farm areas, such as the Creston Flats, most of the farm land occupies narrow strips along rivers and lake- shores near the foot of the mountains. Irrigation is required to grow satisfactory crops in both regions. In addition to irrigation, water is also used extensively for the generation of electricity. The use of water for mining purpose is decreasing because of the decline in mining activity in the area. The 1963 irrigation season had every prospect of water shortage due to higher than normal temperatures and a below normal snowfall during the preceding winter. There was an unusual number of complaints by licensees of water shortages in low watersheds during the spring; however, the early summer was exceptionally wet and cool, which removed the threat of a drought, and water-shortage problems during the irrigation season were few. The late summer and autumn were dry, though not exceptionally hot. The percentage of time that our staff has found necessary to devote to the regulation of water use has been noticeably less than in the years preceding 1945, and only one regulation order was issued in 1963. The advent of sprinkler irrigation has extended the available supply of water in some arid regions. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 37 Although the number of applications for new water licences received each year has remained more or less constant, there are now more applications for amendment of licences resulting from increased population and subdivision of land within the settled areas. During 1963, 130 new conditional licences and 80 new final licences were added to the Nelson Office files. During 1963 the subdivision and sale by the Land Settlement Board of the old Doukhobor lands in the Brilliant, Ootischenia, and Pass Creek areas resulted in a large increase in the number of applications for water licences received from that area. The following table indicates the increase in water-licence activity during the five years from 1959 to 1963, inclusive:— Year 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 An engineer-in-training was added to the staff this year and a field survey assistant hired on a continuing basis as party chief for final-licence surveys. Two university students were employed to assist on final-licence surveys during the summer. On August 31st Assistant District Engineer D. E. Smuin received a promotion to Administrative Officer at Victoria, and he was replaced on September 3rd by J. C. Purnell. Summary of Year's Work New- Applications Investigated and Reported 200 Final-licence and Licence Amendment Surveys 24 111 94 155 103 161 77 120 75 New applications received New applications investigated and reported on. Applications abandoned and cancelled Final-licence and licence amendment surveys. Pollution investigations Flooding investigations Water-use investigations Meetings with improvement districts and water-users' communities Sampling snow courses Dam inspections 184 120 20 75 7 13 17 13 10 1 Miscellaneous meetings and investigations of non-routine nature 44 Engineering Investigations and Studies Domestic water supply for Wardner, proposed Bonnie Braes Improvement District near Trail, and proposed Fort Steele restoration. Study on increasing the capacity of the East Creston Irrigation District's pipeline from Arrow Creek (incompleted). Flooding from small streams in Castlegar, Fruitvale, Thrums, Kaslo, Spillima- cheen, Creston, China Creek, and Donald. Relocation of Michel Creek at Natal. Several pollution problems on small streams, nearly all concerned with contamination of domestic water by suspended sediment. Pump test of proposed well for Wilmer Waterworks District. Design of division tanks for licensees on five streams. Arbitration by District Engineer of one easement expropriated for pipe-line. EE 38 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Prince George District Office C. K. Harman, P.Eng., District Engineer The Prince George District Office, established in June of 1958, up to November 1st of this year, administered the Water A ct in the Prince Rupert, Hazelton, Fort Fraser, Prince George, and Peace River Water Districts in the northern half of the Province. Effective November 1, 1963, the area was extended to include the Quesnel Water District, including the former Barkerville District, and the Liard Water District. The new area now includes the drainage basins of the Skeena River, the Peace River and Liard River within British Columbia, and the Fraser River upstream from a point approximately 21 miles north of Williams Lake. The staff of the Prince George Office consisted of one District Engineer only up to August of this year, when an engineering assistant was added. There were no reports on water shortages from any area during 1963. A relatively dry spring did occur in the Peace River, Vanderhoof, and Burns Lake areas, which resulted in retardation of crops in these areas. If irrigation had been available, improved harvests might have been obtained. Interest in the formation of improvement districts continued at a high level during 1963, particularly in the area surrounding the City of Prince George. Two new districts were formed near this city during the year—the Cottonwood Island Improvement District and the Starlane Waterworks District. Several other areas adjacent to the city are also in the process of organizing improvement districts. The interest in improvement districts in the Prince George area is a result of the demand for utilities brought about by the rapid growth in population in the outlying unorganized areas. The population growth was further accelerated in the last year as a result of the start of the construction of a pulp-mill at Prince George, and much information is being obtained on the ground-water potential in this area. The following tabulation lists the number of water-licence applications received at this office for the past 5 years. The number has almost doubled during the five- year period, and with the addition of the new water district to this office a substantial increase is expected next year. Applications Applications Year Received Year Received 1959 43 1962 51 1960 44 1963 77 1961 64 Summary of Year's Work Applications on hand at end of 1962 21 New applications received during 1963 77 Applications reported on during 1963 38 Applications cancelled or abandoned 8 Applications outstanding at end of 1963 52 Engineering Investigations and Reports Fort Nelson Improvement District.—A study and report on proposed water- and sewer-system extensions for the Fort Nelson Improvement District were completed, and design and supervision of the construction of the water and sewer pipeline extensions, recommended in the report, were also provided. Supervision of the contract for the construction of a new 40,000-gallon storage tank was supplied, WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 39 and the district was assisted in the selection and purchase of automatic pump controls and new chlorination equipment. Airport Hill Improvement District.—The residents of the Airport Hill Improvement District have voted in favour of constructing a water system utilizing an existing test well, and the Trustees have retained a consulting engineer to design the water system. South Fort George Waterworks District.—An estimate of the cost of a sewerage system to service the South Fort George Waterworks District was made for the Trustees of the district. Flooding Problems.—There was no major flooding this year in this district. Flooding complaints were received and reports prepared on flooding at Buckhorn Lake, near Prince George, and at Mapes, near Vanderhoof. Mission City District Office E. G. Harrison, P.Eng., District Engineer The Mission City District Office administers the Water Act in the Vancouver and New Westminster Water Districts, formerly part of the administrative area of the Victoria Office. The Mission City District Office was established in the new Courthouse in Mission City in June, 1961. There has been an adequate supply of water in most streams during the two years this office has been in existence, except in the southern portion of Surrey, the south-east corner of Sumas, and various places on the Sechelt Peninsula, where economical supplies of water are becoming scarce. The shortage in those areas is due to an increasing demand for domestic water in residential areas coupled with a diminishing supply of water as more land is cleared in the watersheds of the small streams. Much of the work of this office involves dealing directly with senior officials of the large number of municipalities on the Lower Mainland who take a keen interest in water matters. Many meetings have been held with the Reeves and Councils of the municipalities in connection with water rights and other problems. Summary of Year's Work Applications received 182 Applications investigated and reported on 192 Applications refused, cancelled, or abandoned 37 Investigations— Pollution 5 Flooding 22 Miscellaneous 4 Meetings with Trustees or organizers of improvement districts 8 Meetings with officials of municipalities 19 Conditional licences added to files 129 IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS DIVISION A. K. Sutherland, Solicitor The number of improvement districts in operation has been increasing steadily for many years, as illustrated in Plate 4, and there is now a total of 291 districts in existence. During the year, the following new districts were incorporated: Bonnie Braes Improvement District, Cottonwood Island Improvement District, Deep Cove Improvement District, Fanny Bay Waterworks District, Fernwood Waterworks EE 40 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS 280 240 200 160 120 80 40 1920 1925 1930 1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 I960 1963 Plate 4. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 41 District, Gillies Bay Improvement District, Langdale Waterworks District, Mill Bay Fire Protection District, Port Clements Improvement District, Port Hardy Improvement District, Sion Improvement District, Starlane Waterworks District, Sumas No. 3 Road Irrigation District, and Tretheway-Edge Dyking District. One district, Salfrey Improvement District, was dissolved. As already stated, the object (or objects) for which a district is incorporated is set out in its Letters Patent. Upon petition of the Trustees, action may be taken to have such Letters Patent amended to include extra objects, and many districts which were originally incorporated for one purpose now have several. The activities for which the existing districts are responsible include irrigation system—ownership and operation; domestic waterworks—ownership and operation; dyking-works; drainage-works; land-improvement works; fire protection—provision and (or) operation; street-lighting—provision and (or) operation; garbage—collection and (or) disposal; sewerage-works—ownership and operation; parks and playgrounds— provision and (or) operation; cemetery—operation; community hall—provision and (or) operation; electric power—generation and (or) distribution; mosquito control—financial aid toward; hospital—provision and operation, or provision of financial aid toward building and (or) operation of a hospital; ambulance service— ownership and (or) operation. Improvement districts incorporated for hospital purposes are distinctively named, with the words " Hospital Improvement District No. " contained within the corporate name. There are 32 such districts now in existence. Two of these have the responsibility for the provision and the operation of hospital facilities, but the remainder are responsible only for providing financial aid toward the constructing, equipping, or operating of a hospital in the vicinity. All districts are empowered by the Water Act to raise revenue by the levying of a tax or taxes upon one or more of a number of bases, and to raise money by the imposition of tolls and charges. They are also empowered to issue debentures and to obtain funds for capital purposes (this is the usual method in use). In many cases, improvement district debentures and the interest thereon are guaranteed by the Province pursuant to the Improvement Districts Assistance Loan Act. At the present time there are $10,581,000 of such guaranteed debentures outstanding, of which $1,227,000 were guaranteed during 1963. Section 62 of the Water Act enables districts to obtain current operating funds as advances from the Province (for certain purposes only) and to utilize the services of the local Provincial Assessors and Collectors to collect these advances from the land-owners in the areas and to repay the Province. The purposes for which this procedure may be used are fire protection, street-lighting, hospital purposes, and ambulance services providing it is supplied by a fire protection or hospital district. If a larger amount is required for capital purposes, and collection and repayment by the Provincial Collector in the same year would result in too heavy a tax burden for that year, an advance of the required amount may be obtained from the Province, with collection and repayment carried out over a number of years. During 1963 the following advances and collections were made under this Act:— (a) Assessed and collected for repayment of amounts advanced for the current year $938,651.90 (b) Amounts advanced in 1963 by the Province repayable in future years _____ 77,150.00 (c) Assessed and collected for amounts advanced with repayment over a number of years 222,195.56 (d) Total long-term advances outstanding as at December 31, 1963 1,612,032.80 4 EE 42 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Improvement Districts Engineering Section The Improvement Districts Engineering Section is concerned with the engineering aspect of improvement districts incorporated under the Water Act of British Columbia. The objects of improvement districts, among others, include irrigation, domestic water supply, sewerage, street-lighting, drainage, and garbage disposal. The principal function of this Section is to establish or check the economic and technical feasibility of development schemes proposed by the districts and to offer technical assistance in operating existing engineering works. The following is a list of assignments completed during the past year:— Reports Prepared Boundary Line Irrigation District.—The Boundary Line Irrigation District supplies water to about 100 acres of orchards, located on the east side of Osoyoos Lake and approximately 2 miles south of Osoyoos. The Section completed field and office studies of the existing system and reported on remedial measures, considered necessary, to meet the demands of sprinkler irrigation. Naramata Irrigation District.—The Naramata Irrigation District is located on the east side of Okanagan Lake and 7 miles north of Penticton. Irrigation and domestic water is supplied to approximately 1,000 acres of orchards and some 260 homes and commercial properties. A report was prepared in which emergency measures were proposed to meet a threatened shortage of water during the 1963 irrigation season. Westsyde Area, Kamloops.—A report on the Westsyde area, 3Vi miles north of Kamloops, investigated the technical and economic feasibility of installing a domestic water-supply system. Hagensborg Area, Bella Coola.—The residents in the Bella Coola Valley encounter difficulty in maintaining a satisfactory supply of water from the individual sources currentiy being used. A field study was made, and the subsequent report indicated the organizational steps necessary to form improvement districts and the probable costs of installing community water systems. Airport Hill Improvement District.—A report prepared for the Airport Hill Improvement District, near Prince George, examined the technical feasibility and probable costs of installing a water system, using a moderate-yield test-well as an interim source of supply. The test-well was drilled by the Water Resources Service in the course of routine ground-water studies. Proposed Little River Improvement District.—The proposed Littie River Improvement District is situated adjacent to and north of the Comox Airport. A report was prepared to assist the organizing committee in determining the limits of the area which could be economically served by a community water-supply system. Canyon Waterworks District.—Remedial measures for system operating problems were proposed in a report prepared for the Canyon Waterworks District. The district supplies water to 16 farms located in an area 3 miles north of Armstrong. Review of Water-supply Proposals Reports, plans, estimates, and specifications submitted by consulting engineers on behalf of the following improvement districts were reviewed by the Improvement District Engineering Section:— Genelle Improvement District.—The Genelle Improvement District is located some 10 miles north of Trail. The district is negotiating to acquire and rehabilitate an existing privately owned water system. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 43 Dean Park Road Area.—The Dean Park Road area in North Saanich has been included in the Sidney Waterworks District. Plans and specifications covering the works necessary to serve the new area have been approved, and the start of construction is imminent. Cherry Creek Waterworks District.—The Cherry Creek Waterworks District, located adjacent to Alberni, submitted proposals to extend the existing system to serve new areas. Fort Fraser Improvement District.—Fort Fraser Improvement District, some 90 miles east of Prince George, submitted plans for a community water-supply system. The works have subsequently been installed. Wilmer Waterworks District.—A report covering the proposed installation of a domestic water-supply system was received on behalf of the Wilmer Waterworks District, located north of Invermere. Gillies Bay, Texada Island.—The Gillies Bay community submitted plans for a domestic water system. Mill Bay Improvement District.—Plans were approved for the installation of a water system to serve the Mill Bay Improvement District, located on the west side of Saanich Inlet. Construction of the works is proceeding. Sicamous Waterworks District.—Various alternative schemes for water supply to the community of Sicamous were studied. Fruitvale Area.-—Plans were submitted for proposed extensions to the system serving the Fruitvale area, east of Trail. Sandwick Waterworks District.—Alternative proposals for water supply to the Sandwick Waterworks District, which is located north of Courtenay, were reviewed. Beaver Falls Waterworks District.—The Beaver Falls Waterworks District submitted proposals for the purchase of an existing privately owned water system, and the extension of the system to serve a larger area. This district lies between Trail and Blueberry Creek. Port Hardy Improvement District.—The Port Hardy Improvement District has prepared proposals for the installation of a domestic water-supply system to serve the North Vancouver Island community. South Pender Harbour Waterworks District.—Proposals were approved for the installation of a water system to serve the South Pender Harbour Waterworks District, located on the Sechelt Peninsula. Deep Cove Waterworks District.—A large part of the unorganized area of North Saanich is now assured of a domestic water supply following project approval of plans submitted by the Deep Cove Waterworks District. Beaver Creek Improvement District.—Proposals to augment the existing water system were submitted by the Beaver Creek Improvement District, near Alberni. Fernwood Point Improvement District.—Fernwood Point Improvement District, on the north-east coast of Saltspring Island, obtained approval for the installation of a water system. Pemberton North Improvement District.—Pemberton is located on the Lillooet River north of Garibaldi Park, and the improvement district submitted modified proposals for a community water-supply system. Naramata Irrigation District.-—The Naramata Irrigation District applied for approval of emergency pumping facilities designed to meet an impending shortage of water during the 1963 irrigation season. Westbank Waterworks District.—The Westbank Waterworks District, located at Westbank near Kelowna, obtained approval of a scheme to augment existing water-supply facilities. EE 44 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Review of Sewerage Proposals Proposals for the installation of sewer systems for the following districts were reviewed by the Section:— (1) Radium Waterworks District. (2) Queenswood Sewerage District, north of Nanaimo. (3) Departure Bay Improvement District, north of Nanaimo. (4) Valley View Improvement District, east of Kamloops. (5) Westbank Waterworks District, near Kelowna. (6) Port Hardy Improvement District, North Vancouver Island. Review of Irrigation Proposals Engineering proposals regarding irrigation projects were reviewed for the following districts:— (1) Wilmer Irrigation District, north of Invermere. (2) Sumas Road No. 3 Irrigation District, near Yarrow. (3) Naramata Irrigation District, near Penticton. Miscellaneous In addition to the above, the Section reviewed numerous engineering plans of proposed water systems for privately owned subdivisions. Direct engineering assistance was also given to the Fort Nelson Improvement District, which was faced with major technical and financial problems. This assignment included the design and preparation of contract drawings for sewer- and water- system extensions. The construction work is now completed except for the final stages of a 40,000-gallon-capacity reinforced-concrete balancing storage tank. Throughout the year, Engineering Section personnel have travelled extensively in the Province, holding meetings with district Trustees, organization committees, municipalities, and other groups actively concerned with problems of development. It is a measure of their achievement that the majority of the proposed schemes listed above owe their origin to feasibility studies previously carried out by the Improvement District Engineering Section. POWER AND MAJOR LICENCES DIVISION The Power and Major Licences Division is responsible for engineering and administrative duties in connection with the use of water for power purposes. The various duties performed by the Division include:— (a) Reporting upon the suitability of all power-licence applications, and undertaking any further investigations that may be required. (b) Administration of the Water Act in so far as it applies to the use of water for power purposes, including the calculation and billing of annual rentals and fees. (c) Investigation and research necessary to guide Government policy with respect to the development of the hydro-electric power potential of the Province. (d) Completion of statistics concerning the use of water for all purposes, as a guide to future water-resource planning. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 45 Power Licensing Administration Applications All water-licence applications for power purpose are scrutinized by an engineer of the Division for suitability and to determine the rentals payable. Where the amount of power to be developed is fairly substantial, further investigation may be made by the Division, including, where necessary, the hiring of specialist consultants. In the case of major power-licence applications, special attention is paid to public safety. This may require carrying out specific studies or obtaining expert advice on such matters as the stability of dams and the necessary measures for dealing with floods. The optimization of site potential also receives serious attention with regard to the integration of a hydro development with other loads and resources in the most economic fashion. Other aspects commonly taken into consideration as being in the public interest are the extent to which reservoirs should be cleared of flooded timber, the general effects on fish and wildlife, and the use of reservoir areas for recreation. Special clauses may be placed in licences with respect to any of the foregoing aspects. Existing Licences The duties of the Division staff with respect to existing power licences consist of the calculation and billing of annual rentals and fees; the compilation of annual generation figures for use in calculating rentals and preparing statistical records; administration in connection with special clauses in licences, including carrying out the necessary studies and investigations; and interpretation of the Water Act with respect to use of water for power purpose, including any general matters pertaining thereto. Power Policy Planning An important duty of the Division is to assist in the over-all planning of power development in the Province. Studies are made of all potential major developments to determine how they might best fit into a Province-wide hydro-electric system. This is a continuing task, as fresh scientific and engineering developments constantly improve the feasibility of different projects and thus entail periodic reassessment of the situation. Specific fields of study in connection with power-policy planning include the compilation of historical electric generating records and the preparation therefrom of forecasts of future load growth; studies of international power-system developments, such as the Columbia River; investigation of other public benefits obtainable at hydro-electric developments; and preparation of an inventory of available undeveloped power resources. Studies and Investigations The various duties of the Division often require special studies covering certain aspects of the item under review, and certain of these are being described more fully in this section. Consulting Advice For matters falling outside the technical competence of the staff of the Water Resources Service, the Deputy Minister may call on outside help. During the past year the following consultants have given advice: Mr. D. J. Bleifuss, in connection with the general aspects of the Portage Mountain dam and the Duncan Lake dam, and Dr. H. Q. Golder, in connection with the design of the main dam at Portage Mountain. EE 46 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Use of Electronic Computing Equipment In the past, use of the I.B.M. 650 computer was made to study the probable cost of power and flood-control methods for the Columbia River development. With the recent change to an I.B.M. 1620 computer, the above studies are being reprogrammed for greater versatility, and in addition a new one is being prepared to study the electric energy obtainable from a Province-wide hydro-thermal electric system. This new study is believed to be a significant departure from current methods of determining system power outputs, and it is hoped that it will be in operation in a few months' time. In brief the programme is intended to compute the outputs at each project in an expanding system, consisting of both hydro and thermal installations. This procedure is particularly desirable in the case of British Columbia, due to its unique position as a relatively undeveloped power resource area. Water-licence Statistics The work of compiling statistics on all water licences was commenced during the summer. Basic data for each licence were listed for subsequent punching on I.B.M. cards. The feasibility of this project was only made possible by the installation, during 1962, of improved data-processing equipment. When this work is completed, it is hoped that up-to-date statistical information will be available at all times covering such items as total licensed usage for all water districts and precincts, total land under irrigation, etc. It is expected that in the course of time the inventory will be extended to cover all unrecorded sources, and would then constitute a most valuable indication of the amount of water available within the Province for human consumption and use. Undeveloped Water Power in British Columbia In 1954 the Water Rights Branch published a booklet entitled " Water Powers of British Columbia." Studies subsequent to that date have shown the available potential to be several times greater than was then anticipated. Because of this, a review is under way to update the information previously published and to make a more precise estimate of the Province's undeveloped hydro-electric power resources. In the past, calculations of power potential have been unduly conservative, and it is therefore intended to correct this situation by applying modern techniques in the development of major sites and the transmission of power over long distances. The first stage of the above-mentioned study is almost complete, and consists of an itemized list, or inventory, of all potential sites and the power available at each one on an individual basis. The next stage consists of determining the contributions which individual sites can be expected to make when operated in an integrated system. It is believed that this method of calculating potential output will increase the total from known sites by perhaps at much as 50 per cent on the present figure of 22,000,000 kilowatts. There are, however, many sites that have not yet been investigated at all, and it is possible that the ultimate figure may be several times that amount. Developed Hydro Power This section is largely devoted to water-power developments over the last two years that have not been covered in previous reports of the Water Rights Branch. A comprehensive review of the power development of the Province was published by the Branch in May, 1963, and the following paragraphs serve merely to update this information and that of previous Annual Reports. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 47 Generation and Load Growth up to December 31,1962 The total amount of electrical energy generated by the 54 principal operating hydro-electric plants in British Columbia during 1962 was 13,571,637,000 kilowatt- hours, an increase of 9.7 per cent on the corresponding figure for 1961. Plate 5 shows the hydro-electric development in British Columbia to date and the following table shows the hydro and thermal generating totals for the past 11 years. The average rate of load growth over the last 10 years is 10.46 per cent compounded. Plate 6 shows the breakdown of generating statistics amongst the major producers. The figures for the British Columbia Electric Company and the British Columbia Power Commission, now amalgamated to form the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, are shown both separately and combined. Interim totals for 1963 generation are shown on Plate 6. ELECTRICAL GENERATING STATISTICS FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA, 1952-62 Electrical Generation in 1,000 Kwh. Total in Average Mw. Increase on Hydro i Thermal2 Total Previous Year 1952 - 1953 1954 1955 - 4,916,173 5,585,814 6,384,762 7,859,933 9,315,129 10,161,546 11,218,679 11,750,270 12,669,191 12,371,019 13,571,637 508,671 535,892 568,780 628,080 740,058 586,385 704,077 779,915 1,020,756 1,050,087 5,424,844 6,121,706 6,953,542 8,488,013 10,055,187 10,747,931 11,922,756 12,530,185 13,689,947 13,421,106 14,730,0003 619.3 698.8 793.8 968.9 1,147.8 1,226.9 1,361.0 1,430.3 1,562.8 1,532.1 1,674.7 Per Cent 12.85 13.57 22.05 1956 1957. -- 1958 1959 18.47 6.90 10.93 5 09 1960 1961 9.26 1 96 1962. 9 30 i From Water Rights Branch records. 2 From Bureau of Economics and Statistics. 3 Estimate. Additional Installations during 1963 The only significant addition made during 1963 to the Province's hydro potential was the third 90-megawatt unit at the Waneta plant on the Pend d'Oreille River, owned by Cominco, which was placed in operation on June 14th. Peace River Development The first big contract for $73,600,000 in connection with the Portage Mountain dam was let in May. This was for the main earth-fill dam. Diversion of the river commenced in September, and an immediate start was then made on preparation of the foundations. The contract calls for the completion of the earth-fill dam to its full height by 1967. Subsequent contracts for power-plant installation are expected to provide for first generation of power in 1968. EE 48 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE 1000 DEVELOPMENT OF HYDRO-POWER IN BRITISH COLUMBIA BRITISH COLUMBIA TOTAL GENERATING CAPACITY AND ANNUAL LOADS The peak loads of individual power plants rarely occur at the same time. The. Total of Plant Peak Loads thus exceeds the highest simultaneous output of alt BC hydro plants, though the yearly changes shown in the graph should he similar in size and direction. 2000 E h- I o Q -T. 3 19ZO Z925 1930 1935 1340 1345 1350 1955 CALENDAR YEAR I960 1965 1370 1975 Plate 5. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH EE 49 DEVELOPMENT OF HYDRO-POWER IN BRITISH COLUMBIA ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF HYDRO-ELECTRIC ENERGY BY MAJOR PRODUCERS BCHPA V .- / ■_ BCE BCE * BCPC .s sz \S CA^fiS J^ t-ALCAN -BCPC / f' r^r - -V / WgrKT 1 / J? / -> X-"—" / /-~" / <0S f / 1 1 il l 4 3 -J 500 400 300 k o § 203 5 /_?20 Z925 Z930 »35 1340 1345 1350 1355 1360 1365 1370 1375 CALENDAR YEAR ALCAN Aluminum Company of Canada. BCE British Columbia Electric Company t as-n** a t- l s- i i ■ r, ■- . Shown solid until ama/qamation then dotted. BCPC British Columbia fbm:r Commission.) * CM45 Consolidated Mining 4 5melting Company 4 Whst Kootenay Rawer 4 light Company. BCHPA British Columbia Hydro * Power Authority - Shown dotted prior to amalgamation then solid. INSTALLED GENERATING CAPACITIES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS / BCHPA \ ^BCE f / i / BCE 'BCPC j fJ ~~ALC* N v if J 1 ( _A. ; / r i CMS 1 ^-BCPl ll —'■ / BCG/-* / j A f CM45/ I 5000 4000 400 \9t0 1325 1330 1335 1340 1945 1350 1355 I960 1365 1970 1375 CALENDAR YEAR Plate 6. THE WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH WATER RESOURCES SERVICE THE WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH The Water Investigations Branch was formed in late 1962 as a consequence of the creation of an independent British Columbia Water Resources Service which took effect on April 1, 1962. The Hydraulic Investigations Division of the Water Rights Branch was transferred to the Water Investigations Branch, and it formed the nucleus of the new Branch. The functions of the Water Investigations Branch, which is headed by the Chief Engineer, are to deal with technical matters pertaining to the water resources of the Province, which matters are not directly connected with the administration of the Water Act. These functions, carried out by various divisions of the Water Investigations Branch, are briefly summarized below. (1) Water Supply and Investigations Division: {a) Irrigation and domestic water-supply investigations to assist and advise the Department and general public in the development and maintenance of watery-supply projects. (b) Flooding, drainage, and stream-erosion investigations to give engineering advice and assistance in solving water-damage problems. (2) Hydrology Division: (a) Snow surveys and snow-melt run-off forecasting to guide judicious utilization of water supply. (b) Hydrologic studies of the Province to compile and evaluate basic hydro- meteorological data in such a form as to make them readily adaptable. (3) Ground Water Division.: Collection of existing ground-water data and investigation and evaluation of ground-water potential to encourage and guide the future use and conservation of this source of water supply. (4) Basin Planning and Power Division: (a) Development of plans for water conservation on regional basis with an immediate aim to indicate possibilities of augmenting the existing water supply, (ft) Investigation and inventory of undeveloped hydro-electric power potential of the Province. The above functions are carried out in co-operation with a number of other Governmental agencies with an aim to enable the British Columbia Water Resources Service to foster better use of water resource, which is one of the principal physical foundations of the economic development of the Province. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH EE 53 WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH V. Raudsepp, P.Eng., Chief Engineer The technical water matters were transferred from the Water Rights Branch to the newly created Water Investigations Branch in December, 1962. This transfer involved 18 permanent-staff members of the Hydraulic Investigations Division of the Water Rights Branch. The 1963/64 approved estimates of the British Columbia Water Resources Service increased the permanent staff of the Water Investigations Branch by 21 positions to a total of 39, of which, by the end of 1963, three positions were still pending establishment, one was vacant, and one was held for an employee on leave of absence. Nine new permanent positions were filled by employees who had been on temporary employment for some time in the past. The Water Investigations Branch deals with technical matters related to the water resources of the Province, where such matters are not directly connected with the administration of the Water Act. The principal functions of the Branch are at this time carried out by four Divisions of the Branch, as follows:— (1) Water Supply and Investigations Division. (2) Hydrology Division. (3) Ground Water Division. (4) Basin Planning and Power Division. The divisions are supported by a Draughting Office and a Reports and Record Section. In addition, a section is being organized to deal with water projects under the Federal-Provincial Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act (A.R.D.A.) assistance programme. In August the Water Investigations Branch moved its offices from 557 Superior Street and 516 Michigan Street to 780 Blanshard Street. ORGANIZATION CHART OF THE WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER, 1963 Chief Engineer (V. Raudsepp) Assistant Chief Engineer (T.A.J. Leach) A.R.D.A. Projects (W. K. A. Dobson) Water Supply and Investigation Division (R. G. Harris) (J. H. Doughty-Davies) (A. R. D. Robertson) Ground Water Division (E. Livingston) Project Engineer, Fraser River Hydrology Division (H. I. Hunter) Chief Draughtsman (B. Varcoe) Basin Planning and Power Division Records Compilation and Reports Section ■ A. Z. Stencel) EE 54 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE The following pages contain in some detail an account of the work carried out by the Water Investigations Branch. A few observations on staff changes and activities are given below. Mr. T. A. J. Leach, who was in charge of the former Hydraulic Investigations Division, was appointed to the position of Assistant Chief Engineer in luly. The Water Supply and Investigations Division continued to study a variety of irrigation and domestic water-supply and flooding and erosion problems. Four small stream-improvement projects were carried out with some local financial participation. Active participation in the studies carried out by the Fraser River Board continued under Mr. T. A. J. Leach and Mr. J. P. Riley, Project Engineer. Mr. Riley resigned from the Branch in December to take up postgraduate studies. Mr. R. G. Harris, Water Rights Branch District Engineer at Kelowna, was appointed to the position of Chief, Water Supply and Investigations Division, in November and is expected to take up his new duties in early 1964. The Hydrology Division, under Mr. H. I. Hunter, continued to expand successfully the water-supply forecasting activities, and the snow-course network was extended to the northern regions of the Province. Preparations are being made for the annual meeting of the Western Snow Conference at Nelson in April, 1964. Staff additions enabled the Division to commence rearrangement and analysis of the existing hydrometric data. The Ground Water Division, headed by Mr. E. Livingston, continued systematic compilation of ground-water data, on which work was commenced in 1961, and which will require many years' work before an intelligent assessment of the ground-water potential of the Province can be made. Four test drilling operations were carried out under contracts, and a pamphlet, " Practical Information on Ground-water Development," was compiled and published. In the Basin Planning and Power Division, engineering and economic feasibility of augmenting Similkameen River basin water supplies is under study. In respect to undeveloped hydro-electric power of the Province, investigations into Stikine and Dease Rivers power potential have been renewed. While the functioning of the Water Investigations Branch in the above-mentioned fields became, by the end of 1963, satisfactorily established, commensurate with the available staff, additional tasks were emerging as a result of the expanding responsibilities of the British Columbia Water Resources Service. Among these are the activities in connection with the Federal-Provincial Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act (A.R.D.A.) assistance programme. WATER SUPPLY AND INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION The tasks of the Water Supply and Investigations Division can be divided into two main engineering sections—(a) irrigation and domestic water-supply investigations and (b) flooding, drainage, and stream-erosion investigations. Within the latter, the studies made for the Federal-Provincial Fraser River Board formed an important part of the activities of the Division. The following are the main projects that have been dealt with in 1963:— Irrigation and Domestic Water-supply Investigations Doukhobor Lands Water Supply General.—As reported in the Lands Service Annual Report for 1955, the Water Rights Branch conducted a survey of the engineering aspects of supplying water for irrigation and domestic use to all the Doukhobor lands. The purpose of WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH EE 55 the investigation was to assist the Doukhobor Research Committee and the Royal Commission Inquiry then being conducted by Mr. Justice A. E. Lord into the administration of the Doukhobor lands in British Columbia. In recent years the subdivided holdings of the former Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood Ltd. have been offered for sale, and many of the lots have been purchased, especially in the Grand Forks area and in the Kootenay communities of Raspberry and Brilliant. Individual houses are now being planned for construction on these lots, and water for domestic use and irrigation has become an immediate consideration. Accordingly, in August, 1962, the British Columbia Water Resources Service was asked to advise the property-owners about available sources of water and the approximate cost of supplying it to the several communities. Meetings were subsequently held with representatives of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ and members of their land and water committees, representing the individual owners. West Grand Forks Area.—In the investigation of water supply for the Doukhobor lands around Grand Forks, the Branch carried out a ground-water test drilling programme in 1963, which was successful in locating adequate supplies of ground-water in the area. The use of ground-water to supply irrigation and domestic water requirements is apparently the most economical method, and several alternative system layouts are being studied. The land-owners have petitioned for incorporation of the area under the Water Act as Sion Improvement District. The land under consideration comprises some 820 acres and makes up three separate supply schemes: 510 acres between 1,800 and 2,100 feet elevation subdivided into 5-acre farm lots to be supplied with domestic and irrigation water; 225 acres between 1,750 and 1,950 feet elevation subdivided into 5-acre farm lots to be supplied with domestic and irrigation water; and 95 acres between 1,720 and 1,740 feet elevation subdivided into 1-acre residential lots to be supplied with domestic water only. The static ground-water level is approximately at 1,700 feet, with anticipated drawdown to 1,650 feet, so that high-head and high-cost pumping units will be required for the two larger schemes. Raspberry and Brilliant Areas, near Castlegar.—The subdivision of the Raspberry and Brilliant communities was revised subsequent to the 1955—56 engineering investigation and a complete reappraisal of the former water-supply proposals has been necessary. There are two distinct subdivisions at Raspberry: New Raspberry on the west side of Pass Creek, where 87 lots of about half an acre each can be served, and Old Raspberry, east of the creek, comprising 111 lots covering nearly 60 acres. About 56 acres on the higher ground at Brilliant are split into residential lots, leaving 72 acres on the lower bench in seven farm-sized lots. While preliminary work was being done on the Raspberry and Brilliant areas of the Doukhobor lands, owners of property on the west side of Pass Creek, some within the Doukhobor subdivision and some outside, petitioned for their land to be included in the neighbouring Robson Irrigation Districti. The district's Trustees are not prepared to include this property at present. In view of the need for water in that area, the study was enlarged to consider the additional 107-acre area, of which about 57 acres could be irrigated. Arcady Area Water Supply, South Ladysmith A brief investigation was carried out into alternatives for a domestic water supply for the Arcady area, which is situated within the boundaries of the Village of Ladysmith and the Saltair Waterworks District and is supplied by a nearly ex- EE 56 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE pended gravity system. Designs and cost estimates were prepared for three alternative methods of water supply to the area. Keremeos Irrigation District In response to a request from the Trustees of the Keremeos Irrigation District, several alternatives for rehabilitating the district's irrigation systems were investigated and a preliminary report was prepared. The district's two irrigation systems—the Ashnola River and Keremeos Creek systems—convey water to 979 and 146 acres of irrigable land respectively. The system works are becoming expended through normal use; therefore, extensive replacements will be required in the near future. The investigation concludes that, subject to results of a ground-water test programme in the district, a supply from wells appears to be the most economical scheme for rehabilitating the Ashnola River system. Other alternatives considered in order of economic feasibility were supply from (1) the Similkameen River by pumping, (2) the Ashnola River by rehabilitating the existing conveyance works, and (3) storage on Keremeos Creek at Olalla. Recommendations for rehabilitating the Keremeos Creek system consist of renewing the existing gravity conveyance works as present and pressurizing the area at a later date, when required, by pumping from the conveyance works. Black Mountain Irrigation District An engineering study is currently in progress on system replacements for the Black Mountain Irrigation District works, which convey water to some 4,270 acres of irrigable land. The purpose of this study is to provide the district with a master plan for future system replacements, drawn up in accordance with district system- replacement policy, which is designed to obtain maximum use from existing system components and limit pressurization to areas where topography does not provide adequate operating pressures from existing works, without installing extensive new mains. Osoyoos West Bench Irrigation Irrigation water-supply studies for an undeveloped area within the Southern Okanagan Lands Project were made in 1962. Further studies were undertaken in 1963. Additional acreage was included in the proposal, and the land was tentatively subdivided into lots of approximately 10 acres. Two alternative schemes were investigated, the most economical of which involved supplying the entire bench area from the S.O.L.P. main canal and changing the source of supply for some 100 acres of the presently irrigated lower land to a pumping-station on Osoyoos Lake. Under this alternative, it would be necessary to pump supplementary water from Osoyoos Lake to the main canal at the lake-head spillway during a six-week peak- demand period. The capital cost of irrigation-works for some 500 acres of the Osoyoos West Bench was estimated to be $120,000, with an annual cost of $49 per acre. Southern Okanagan Lands Project Gravity Irrigation System This project is located in the southern portion of the Okanagan Valley between Skaha Lake and the International Boundary and comprises about 5,000 acres of irrigated land. Since its construction some 40 years ago under the Soldiers' Land Act, the British Columbia Government has operated the system. In 1963 this responsibility was transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Water Resources Service. In view of the age of the structures, it was deemed advisable to WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH EE 57 carry out an inventory of existing conditions with the object of setting up a renewal programme for the existing gravity irrigation system. The S.O.L.P. study was commenced in the latter part of the summer of 1963. A series of flow measurements was made in the main canal during the peak-use period in August to compare the demand flow in the canal and the possible capacity of the canal. The year did not prove too satisfactory for these measurements as the demand did not reach the peak that has been reached in other years. It was found, however, that ample water was available in the main canal to supply the four proposed small irrigation developments in the alluvial fans of Read, Tinhorn, Hester, and Testalinden Creeks, all within the Southern Okanagan Lands Project boundaries. The first two schemes were found to be infeasible, however, as the pumps and delivery-lines of Units 2 and 3 did not have the capacity to deliver water to the proposed development of Read and Tinhorn fans. The study also considered the rehabilitation of the system generally. As many of the main flume and siphon structures are due for complete renewal in the next five to ten years, it was decided to consider the alternative of a pumped supply from Osoyoos Lake for the southern area in the vicinity of Osoyoos. This would permit the abandonment of several miles of flumes, which are expensive to construct and maintain. In addition, the Oliver siphon, which is also due for renewal, could be greatly reduced in size. Four alternative systems were considered, and it was found that the most economical one was to pump irrigation water to the area between the head of Osoyoos Lake and the United States Border and also to pump to the area north of Oliver, known as " D " Lateral, leaving the rest of the area as a modified gravity system. A separate preliminary water-supply study was made in connection with a proposed Seventh-day Adventists school development on the east side of the Okanagan River, which is within the boundaries of the Southern Okanagan Lands Project. South-east Kelowna Irrigation District Domestic Water Supply The present source at Canyon Creek for domestic water for South-eastern Kelowna Irrigation District does not permit future expansion. Supply from this creek must occasionally be augmented by irrigation water during exceptionally dry seasons or at times when Canyon Creek carries heavy silt loads during the spring months. There are three possible alternate sources for domestic water, all of which would require pumping. These are Mission Creek, Okanagan Lake, and groundwater wells. The last-named possibility is presently under investigation by the Ground Water Division. Of the two former, pumping from Mission Creek appears more feasible because of lower pump lifts and shorter distribution mains. However, a silt problem exists on Mission Creek which would involve filtration or sedimentation works. Surveys were made of possible sites on Mission Creek for such a pumping scheme. A new domestic water system for this area would involve replacement of some existing water-mains, as well as extension to areas of proposed development. A survey was made of the existing system to obtain pipe profiles and control elevations. Maps of the district, to a scale of 500 feet=l inch and a contour interval of 10 feet, are presently being draughted from manuscripts prepared on a Kelsh plotter. Oyama Irrigation District System Improvement The Trustees of the Oyama Irrigation District have requested engineering advice on their proposed combined irrigation and domestic water-supply system. The proposed system would involve almost complete replacement of existing works. EE 58 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Surveys and soundings were made at possible pump-sites on Kalamalka Lake, which is considered to be the best source of water. Bench-marks were established throughout the district, and contour maps of the district, scale of 500 feet=l inch with contour interval of 10 feet, have been prepared. Cost estimates are presentiy being prepared for several alternate schemes using pumped water from Kalamalka Lake. Ground-water as an alternative source of supply will be investigated by the Ground Water Division. Kaleden Irrigation District Rehabilitation Investigations concerning Kaleden Irrigation District rehabilitation have been continued. A completely revised system inventory and renewal programme was prepared during the summer months. The district, after considering the costs and operating conditions of the two available alternatives, has decided to proceed with the renewal of the existing gravity supply system from Shingle and Shatford Creeks rather than resorting to pumping from Skaha Lake. The problems of right-of-way for the up-stream conveyance works outside its boundaries are now being studied. These problems must be worked out before final design and cost estimates can be made. Ashcroft Area Irrigation Proposal Feasibility studies into the prospects for irrigating up to 11,000 acres along the Thompson River near Ashcroft, initiated in 1961, were continued in the latter part of the year. Investigations are sufficiently advanced to indicate that development of the Bonaparte River as the single water source will not be an economic proposition, so far as lands east of Cache Creek are concerned. It is more than likely that local pumping from both the Deadman and Thompson Rivers will prove to be more attractive, though costs may be considerably higher than the irrigation economy of the area could support. The pumping development envisaged will produce a major demand for power, to the extent that new transmission facilities would have to be provided. A reconnaissance report will be completed in 1964. Trent River Water-supply Potential A reconnaissance and brief office study were carried out in late 1963 to determine whether the Trent River south of Courtenay on Vancouver Island could be used for domestic and irrigation water supplies. The possibility of using groundwater and alternative surface supplies was considered. FLOOD-CONTROL AND EROSION INVESTIGATIONS Okanagan Flood-control Works Survey This project, extending between Penticton and the head of Osoyoos Lake, includes storage dams at the outlets of Okanagan and Skaha Lakes, the Southern Okanagan Lands Project diversion dam south of Vaseux Lake, an improved and dyked river channel, and a number of drop structures. It was completed by the Federal and Provincial Governments in 1957 under the Okanagan Flood-control Act. Investigations have been carried out in previous years to determine the capacity of the improved river channel and to study the functioning of the control-works under extreme high- and low-water supply conditions. In view of the material changes that have taken place in the new channel since its construction, it was deemed WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH EE 59 necessary to undertake a complete survey of the flood-control works in 1963. The survey included 23.5 miles of longitudinal profile of the Okanagan River, of which 19.6 miles are improved channel; 356 channel cross-sections; 36 discharge measurements; 17 drop structures; three dams; and all the existing water-supply intakes. It is of interest to note that for the first time in our field investigations the survey was organized in a manner that all basic survey data, both horizontal and vertical, were calculated by I.B.M. 650 computer and thus became available to the survey party during the field work. This was achieved with the assistance given by the Survey and Mapping Branch of the Lands Service. The survey was based on stadia traverses which were tied by triangulation at 25 different stations, representing a closure at approximately every mile for horizontal adjustment. In order to clarify the existing vertical control, a new line of levels was run along the river channel and a number of new bench-marks were established. The survey results are being plotted, and a report on the existing conditions of the Okanagan flood-control works and required improvements will be prepared. Similkameen River Improvement at Princeton Early in the spring of 1963 the Similkameen River rose sharply, and, overtopping a gravel island, cut back into an old channel and eroded away a portion of bank near the south end of Burton Road, immediately up-stream from Princeton Village. It was only by emergency action that the flood waters were prevented from washing away a manhole and entering the sewer system. The village requested assistance, and an inspection and a limited field survey were carried out. A proposal, using largely the materials at hand, was devised to protect the area. Funds were made available by the Water Resources Service and the Village of Princeton, and the Department of Highways constructed the dykes in October, 1963. Upper Kettle River Log lam Several Provincial departments have received complaints about log jams in the Upper Kettle River and have investigated the situation. The Water Resources Service inspected approximately 26 miles of the Kettle River and 9 miles of the Westkettie River. It was found that one major log jam near Westbridge was completely blocking the river channel, being some 700 feet in length and some 300 feet wide. It was decided to remove this major log jam by hiring a local bulldozer as well as power-saw operators, and the work commenced on November 10th. Low temperatures caused suspension of the work in mid-December. It is intended to complete the removal of the log jam in March, 1964. Coquitlam River Flooding and Erosion A proposal by a local contractor to remove gravel from the Coquitlam River some 2 miles down-stream from the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority dam at Coquitlam Lake was submitted to the Water Resources Service by The Corporation of the District of Coquitlam. The proposal was accompanied by a layout plan and river cross-sections prepared by consulting engineers. Based on this information and the contractor's gravel requirements, a report was prepared outlining a possible method of gravel removal which would minimize the effect on the river regime. This consisted of containment of the river within a designed channel by means of a system of groynes, spur dykes, and bank revetment. The scheme would be developed in three stages over a period of six years, EE 60 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE allowing the removal of some 119,000 cubic yards of gravel. The feasibility of the proposed scheme depends on sufficient heavy material being available to complete the containment structures, and it was suggested that investigation of sub-surface material in the river-bed be undertaken as a preliminary step. Vedder-Chilliwack River Flooding and Erosion Field investigation of flooding and erosion in the Vedder-Chilliwack River area commenced in 1958, when 15 cross-sections were established over a 10-mile stretch of the Vedder Canal and Chilliwack River between the confluence of the Vedder Canal with the Sumas River and a point some 2,Vi miles above the Vedder Crossing Bridge. These sections have been remeasured for comparative purposes in 1958, 1959, and again in 1963. The 1963 field work, carried out in September, was extended to include intermediate river sections to provide more data for use in the design of an over-all plan for the rivers. During the field trip, samples of river-bed material were obtained at selected points. Reduction of field-notes and plotting of sections and profiles are now well under way. Flow-duration curves and flood hydrographs have been prepared, in the latter case both summer and winter conditions being considered. The summer flood comes mainly from snow-melt, is of long duration and large volume, but has a relatively low peak-flow. The winter storm is generally associated with heavy precipitation accompanied by rising temperatures, resulting in a high peak flood of short duration. Estimates have been made of bed load movement by the rivers, and these data, together with the flood study, will be used in the design of the controlled river channel. In addition to the general survey of the above reach of the river, two local erosion problems in the Chilliwack River were studied, as indicated below. Some 2Vi miles up-stream from the Vedder Crossing Bridge, in the Mount Baker Trail Improvement District, heavy erosion of the right bank of the river occurred during the flood of November, 1962. A memorandum was prepared outlining a bank-protection scheme consisting of riprap revetment with river gravel backing and extending for 1,800 feet along the river. It is understood that the Department of Highways has since carried out a modified bank-protection project. A complaint was received from a riparian land-owner on the Chilliwack River, located some 3 miles up-stream from the Vedder Crossing Bridge, that work carried out in the river by the Department of Highways and the Canadian Army had caused erosion of his property. This was investigated, and it was found that work carried out in the river to date had any effect on his property. Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers Erosion and Flooding In response to several requests for assistance and engineering advice for flood control and erosion protection, an investigation of flooding and erosion problems along the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers is being carried out. During 1963 the work was limited to a field survey, during August and September, to obtain longitudinal profile and 11 cross-sections of a 10-mile reach of Squamish River up-stream from its mouth. Limited field work was also done on the Cheakamus River at the Paradise Valley lodge, where erosion is threatening the existing development. Three river cross-sections and a number of spot elevations were established. Vancouver North Shore Flooding and Erosion The investigations into flooding and erosion on the main streams draining the Vancouver North Shore continued from the field survey work undertaken in the fall WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH EE 61 of 1962. There are four major streams in the area that have been studied in some detail—Capilano River, Mosquito Creek, Lynn Creek, and Seymour River. The Capilano River, having a 50-year flood of 30,000 cubic feet per second, has undergone some channel degradation in the past, caused partiy by the removal of gravel at the mouth and the construction of the Cleveland Dam. At the present time the river is slowly degrading its channel up-stream from the Marine Drive Bridge. In the lower 1.5 miles of the river channel, the gravelly banks are easily erodible, and there is a need for bank revetment and for flood protection in certain areas. The Mosquito Creek, with a 50-year flood of 2,400 cubic feet per second, is the most troublesome stream on the Vancouver North Shore. It requires control measures where it passes through built-up areas, which extend from tidewater to the 1,100-foot level, a distance of some 3 miles. In this reach the channel slope varies from 1.5 per cent near the mouth to 12 per cent at the 1,100-foot level. These steep gradients indicate that improvement would be very costly. The most practical control plan appears to be the use of low check dams together with concrete flumes at some of the steeper sections. Lynn Creek, where a 50-year flood is estimated to be 10,500 cubic feet per second, has a trouble section which extends approximately 2 miles up-stream from its mouth to where the creek passes through erodible outwash materials. It was in this section that active bank erosion resulted in the loss of a large sewage-treatment tank during a flood in 1961. A proposed plan here is for the construction of three or four large drop structures in the upper end of the trouble section, with bank revetment down-stream where adjacent land development extends to the creek banks. From an estimate of sediment load, it can be expected that considerable dredging will be required each year to clear debris from behind the check dams. The Seymour River, estimated 50-year flood at the mouth of 25,000 cubic feet per second, is similar to the Capilano in that a substantial water-storage dam now exists on its middle reach and commercial gravel dredging is carried out at the mouth. In the trouble section, the lower 3 miles of the stream, the channel-bed is covered with large rock and appears stable; danger from high water would come from bank erosion or bank overtopping. To prevent this, bank revetment would be necessary for most of the area, combined with more selective dredging in the lower sections toward the stream mouth. There are many other smaller streams draining the Vancouver North Shore, and those in West Vancouver require particular attention. In this area much has been done to flume the lower portions of small streams through residential and commercial areas. The greatest hazard appears to be the accumulation of debris at the inlets of drainage structures during flash floods, which indicates that some debris catchment structures would be required. The use of drop structures for this purpose is being investigated. Cowichan River Flooding and Erosion Studies on Cowichan River flood-control possibilities, commenced after the January, 1961, flood, were continued. In 1963 some preliminary studies into the possibilities of alleviating the almost annual flooding, which occurs in the new residential subdivisions in the Somenos Creek area, were carried out. There appears to be no immediate solution to this and other local flooding problems unless an improvement programme for the entire lower reach of the Cowichan River and for a portion of the Lower Koksilah River can be implemented. A number of authorities, including the City of Duncan, would be involved in such a programme. EE 62 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE A field investigation of Cowichan Lake outlet and a 6,700-foot section of river immediately below it was carried out in late June and early July, 1963. The purpose of the investigation was to produce maps showing underwater detail. Field work consisted of soundings, survey of shoreline detail, and associated horizontal and vertical control of stations used in the survey.: Two map-sheets, scale 200 feet— 1 inch, have been prepared based on the survey data. A brief field survey of the Lower Cowichan and Koksilah Rivers near Duncan was carried out during August of 1963 in order to measure the changes in channel configuration that may have occurred since 1958, when the rivers were surveyed by the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration. Field work consisted of re-establishing the P.F.R.A. cross-sections, five on the Cowichan River and three on the Koksilah River, and establishing 16 new cross-sections of the channels of these two rivers. Mission and Fascieux Sloughs Channel Improvements near Kelowna Following a petition in February, 1963, from land-owners in the South Kelowna area, field surveys and an examination of the drainage problems of the 550 acres tributary to Fascieux Slough, the southerly branch of Mission Slough, were undertaken. Improvement of the slough channels was shown to be beneficial, and two alternative proposals were outiined, involving the cleaning-out of the lower reach of the Mission Slough and either cleaning out the Fascieux Slough or excavating a new channel along lot boundaries. Mary Hill Drainage Interceptor, Port Coquitlam Early in 1963 the Water Investigations Branch studied a proposal to construct a drainage ditch that would intercept the run-off from 207 acres on the easterly slope of Mary Hill in the City of Port Coquitlam. At present this area drains into the low-lying lands of the Coquitiam Dyking District; it would relieve the pumping load on the dyking district if the Mary Hill run-off was intercepted and drained by gravity into the Pitt River as proposed. The proposal, originally prepared by a consulting engineer, was considered to be practicable, and the estimate of the construction cost was close enough to support the figure in the original proposal. Salmon River Flooding near Sayward Reconstruction and relocation work is being carried out on the Island Highway between Campbell River and Kelsey Bay in the North Central Vancouver Island area. Bottom-land in the Salmon River valley about 3 miles south of Sayward is known to be affected by winter flooding, thus influencing the design of the section of new highway which will traverse this land. The Water Investigations Branch was asked to advise the Department of Highways of possible solutions. After brief field inspection it was concluded that the regime of the river would be least disturbed if the overflow channels in this section were bridged without dyking of the river bank. Fraser River Board Studies Investigations for the Federal-Provincial Fraser River Board again occupied a substantial number of the staff. These investigations have now been concluded, and the results are being incorporated into the final report of the Fraser River Board. Three main studies made in 1963 are summarized below. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH EE 63 Lower Fraser Valley Winter Floods Studies for the Fraser River Board involving seepage rates, drainage, and winter flooding in the dyked areas of the Lower Fraser Valley were completed in 1963. These dyked areas would be affected by Fraser River up-stream regulation through minor increases in late winter river-levels and major reductions in river stages during spring run-off. Such changes in river stages would influence both the winter flooding conditions and the annual costs for each dyking district to an extent dependent upon its particular location and drainage characteristics. In order to assess the effect of Fraser River regulation on drainage-works in these districts, a preliminary study was made to determine the relationship between river-levels and rates of seepage through the Fraser River dykes. Seepage rates were estimated for several dyking districts through an analysis of pumping and meteorlogical records. A seepage rate of 180 cubic feet per month per foot dyke per foot head was found for Pitt Polder, which was the only district in this area for which suitable records were available. Four up-river districts studied showed higher seepage rates of 300 to 400 cubic feet per month per foot dyke per foot head, probably due to more pervious dyke foundation material. Using the information obtained in this study, seepage rates were assigned to other dyked areas for use in the subsequent study concerning the effect of river regulation on drainage of these areas. For this latter study, pumping records of seven dyking districts between Pitt River and Agassiz were studied to determine the effect that Fraser River regulation would have on annual pumping costs. Mean monthly river-levels at each district were calculated for both natural and regulated conditions. Existing annual pumping costs were then adjusted to compensate for regulated conditions of pump lift, pump efficiency, and seepage. Also, since many districts rely on gravity drainage, particularly during winter months, an estimate of the effect of regulation on floodgate operation was required. Results of the study showed substantial decreases in annual pumping costs in some up-river districts, while districts down-stream of Mission showed little change. The effect of higher regulated winter levels on winter flooding conditions was investigated through analysis of several typical storms. Such flooding conditions occur when natural drainage is restricted or blocked by high Fraser River levels and pump capacities are insufficient to cope with accumulated, storm run-off behind the dykes. This study indicated, for districts in the Mission area, that increases in peak flood levels behind the dykes were as much as 1 foot for storms occurring between January and March. A corresponding increase in duration of flooding for these districts was also noted. Winter flooding conditions for dyking districts down-stream of Port Hammond would be little affected by regulation. Part of the above analysis of pumping records included a comparison of actual electricity consumption with theoretical values obtained using the pump manufacturer's curves. In most cases a close agreement between the two values was obtained. However, two districts—Hatzic-Dewdney and Sumas—revealed a billed consumption about 50 per cent greater than the theoretical consumption. In the hope of explaining this discrepancy, a performance test was made on the Hatzic- Dewdney pumps. Results of this test showed a close agreement with the pump manufacturer's head-discharge curve, indicating a much lower over-all efficiency than anticipated. Fraser River Basin Flood-control Benefit Study A two-year study for the Fraser River Board to determine the value of preventing flood damage in the Fraser River basin was completed in 1963. An appraisal of EE 64 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE the potential flood damage was carried out for the areas subject to flooding in the Lower Fraser Valley (which included all areas presently protected by dykes) and at Kamloops, Quesnel, and Prince George. From air photographs and field inspections, an inventory was made of all structures and cultivated lands in these flood- prone areas. The inventory was used to estimate the physical damage that would be sustained under various depths of flooding, on the assumption that no protective works existed. The losses of income and other losses that would result from the same conditions were also estimated, although there was not enough information to predict the amount of secondary losses of income and productivity that occur outside the flooded areas because of the influence of flood conditions and the value of intangibles such as the loss of human life. Information available on flood levels and on the expectancy of specific floods was used to determine the damage that would have occurred in the base year 1961 under any particular flood condition if no control-works had been provided. Graphs were constructed to show the relationship between flood frequency and potential damage, from which it was possible to find the average annual damage that could be expected if the region were not protected. The value of preventing all floods to the specified limits of protection is equal in value to the damage that would otherwise occur, hence the measurable benefit accruing to flood-control projects in the Fraser River basin could be found from the regional damage-frequency curves for the life of the project as well as under extreme conditions. Flooding in the Kamloops Area The study of flooding in the Kamloops area, carried out on behalf of the Fraser River Board, was completed this year. The terms of reference were to determine the effect on flooding in the Kamloops area of (1) development of the Clearwater system as an integral part of the Fraser River basin flood control and hydro-electric scheme, and (2) lowering Kamloops Lake level through improvements to the river channel down-stream from the lake outlet. Flood-routing studies through the proposed Clearwater development, carried out by the Fraser River Board, indicate a reduction in the design flood from 161,000 cubic feet per second (75-year frequency) to 117,500 cubic feet per second. It was found that the resultant lower water levels eliminate the danger of flooding in the Kamloops area. The average annual damage prevented is $87,800, having a present value of $1,490,000 when capitalized over 50 years at 5Vi per cent interest. Regulation of Kamloops Lake through improved outlet and down-stream channel enlargement was considered as an alternative solution to the flooding problem at Kamloops. The maximum practical channel improvements, the cost of which was not estimated, extending some 3 miles down-stream from the lake outlet, would provide sufficient lake regulation to control the 1948 flood of 145,000 cubic feet per second (27-year frequency) and would very appreciably reduce the design flood damage. Thus, at the design flood limit, the average annual damage prevented is $80,000 having a present value of $1,350,000 when capitalized over 50 years at 5Vi per cent interest. The effect of down-stream regulation on the regime of the river through Kamloops has not been studied in detail, other than to indicate that mean velocities might be increased by 20 per cent during the flood period. Since erosion is already apparent in both branches and the main stem of the Thompson River, a careful examination of these trouble spots, as well as the various bridge foundations, would be required prior to any proposed change in the river regime. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH EE 65 HYDROLOGY DIVISION H. I. Hunter, Meteorologist, Chief of Hydrology Division Snow Surveys The Province-wide snow-course network, first established in 1935, was expanded further in 1963. At present 139 courses are measured at regular sampling dates during the snow accumulation and depletion periods. Although most courses are located on Columbia and Fraser drainages, the network now includes measurement-sites on some of British Columbia's more isolated watersheds. The results of these surveys are contained in the six issues of the British Columbia Snow Survey Bulletin under publication dates of February 1st, March 1st, April 1st, May 1st, May 15th, and June 1 st. The earlier issues of each year provide a comparison with records of previous years both with respect to snow conditions and related meteorological data. In the April 1st bulletin, forecasts are made of the volume run-off during the ensuing four or five months for a number of the major watersheds. Such forecasts are modified in the later publications if necessary in accordance with the actual discharges that are recorded after April 1st. In 1963 five new snow courses were installed, all in the northern regions of the Province. These were Summit Lake, Dease Lake, and Cassiar on the Liard River drainage, Pink Mountain on the Peace River watershed, and Atlin Lake on the Yukon River watershed. Snow measurements from these sites will be used in future years to develop forecast relationships for Northern British Columbia rivers. The summer work also included the brushing and cleaning out of 20 of the existing snow courses to ensure accurate snow-sampling. During the winter of 1962/63, 36 snow courses were visited to provide at-site training of local snow surveyors. Seasonal stream-flow forecast procedures are developed by multiple regression, with the Provincial Government's electronic computer doing the mathematical computations. This is a continuing programme with the development of revised and new procedures and requiring considerable time in the preparation of data for computer use. Office work also includes administration of the snow-survey network, with some 90 observers involved in the measuring programme. Among these are not only local people employed on a part-time basis, but also personnel of cooperating agencies, with whom close liaison is maintained. In the past year, water-supply forecast procedures have been worked out with organizations such as MacMillan, Bloedel and Powell River Limited, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, and the Aluminum Company of Canada Limited with respect to the watersheds of particular concern to these agencies. Co-operation has also been maintained with the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture through the exchange of hydrological data and in the development of forecast procedures for international gauging-sites in the Columbia River basin. Hydrologic Studies With only a few exceptions, all the water projects of the Water Investigations Branch involve time-consuming compilation and analysis of the available hydro- meteorologic data which are required for engineering studies. It would be very advantageous if more hydro-meteorologic data were available for engineering purposes and in more usable form. Efforts are being made in this direction as much as staff limitations permit. A regional flood magnitude and frequency study in the Lower Fraser Valley was undertaken. Based on the observed winter peak flood discharges and also EE 66 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE storm precipitation, which data are made available by the agencies of the Federal Government, attempts were made to develop a method of evaluating the flood discharges of any site within the area under study. The study is continuing. A limited study and field investigation is also under way with respect to flood flows in Bowker Creek and the Greater Victoria area. This programme is carried out in co-operation with the Municipality of Saanich. Three gauging-stations have been installed, and discharge measurements will be undertaken. Hydrometric Records Compilation Records of stream stages and dicharges are obtained by the Federal Water Resources Branch of the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources under a cost-sharing agreement with the Water Resources Service. Each year an assessment is made by the two organizations with respect to existing and proposed hydrometric stations. At present all records are published in the Federal water resources papers on a water-year basis (October to September, inclusive), and within each paper the rivers and lakes are listed according to their respective watershed. Work has commenced to review the past records and to reassemble same by streams and gauging- stations. Liard River Basin Suspended Sediment A limited study of the suspended sediment load of the Liard River drainage system was made in 1961, when 86 samples were collected from random stage, single samplings at two cross-sections on the Liard and at one cross-section on each of seven of its tributaries. An additional sampling programme was carried out between May 22 and May 28, 1963. One hundred and twenty-six samples were collected during this period, 74 from the Liard at Lower Post and the remainder from the Coal, Hyland, Upper Liard, and Muskwa Rivers. Analyses of the samples were made by the British Columbia Research Council, and the results of the 1963 programme are summarized in tabular form, as follows:— Stream Date of Sampling, 1963 Drainage Area (Sq. Miles) Water Discharge (C.F.S.) Average Sediment Concentration (P.P.M. by Weight) Suspended Sediment (1,000 Tons per Day) Liard (Lower) . Liard (Lower) ___ _ May 22 May 23 May 24 May 27 May 25 May 26 May 26 May 28 40,020 40,020 40,020 112,900 150,500 175,400 141,000 18,760 16,110 50,320 15,330 641 775 894 241 211 139 191 383 195.2 315.0 423 1 Coal 3,850 3,370 12,290 7,770 10.7 6.1 Liard (Upper) _. 26.0 15.8 The first three sets of samples were collected from the Liard at Lower Post on rising water stage. In all other instances, sampling was carried out on falling water stage. GROUND WATER DIVISION E. Livingston, Geological Engineer, Chief of Ground Water Division The collection of available data on existing water wells and ground-water use is continuing, and efforts are being made to collect water-well records from all the available sources. To date a total of 9,500 well cards and 74 well location maps have been completed. Information on ground-water quality is being assembled by WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH EE 67 loaning field test kits to a number of drilling contractors under the condition that they furnish information on water quality from any new wells drilled. A network of observation wells established in 1962 consists of 19 wells in the Lower Fraser Valley and further observation wells near Comox, Nanaimo, Sidney, Vernon, Kelowna, and Kamloops. Water-table elevation is measured once a month. There is an increasing interest in the Province for information covering the use and development of ground-water. A number of inquiries were received from individuals, consultants, and drilling firms throughout the Province. As there seemed to be no suitable publication available to deal with general ground-water use problems, a pamphlet entitled " Practical Information on Ground-water Development" was compiled, and 500 copies of it were printed in October, 1963. The pamphlet has been distributed to various Government agencies and to most of the British Columbia well-drillers. A number of investigations involving mapping, and in some cases water-well inventories and test drilling, were carried out in 1963, as summarized below. Okanagan Well Inventory A well inventory and also some geologic mapping in the North Okanagan Valley from Vernon to Enderby, at Rutiand, and at South-east Kelowna were undertaken by a geologist employed during the summer months. In the future it is intended to carry out test drilling in these areas in connection with local water-supply problems. West Grand Forks Test Drilling An investigation of the feasibility of using ground-water for irrigation on the recently purchased Doukhobor lands west of Grand Forks, started in 1962, was continued with the drilling of seven test-holes under contract. One of the test-holes was completed as a production well and was test-pumped. This work indicates that it is feasible to use wells as a source of irrigation water. Point Grey Ground-water Study An investigation into the role of ground-water in contributing to erosion of the sea cliffs at Point Grey was started in 1962. This was continued in 1963 and broadened to check the feasibility of using ground-water to supplement the water supply at the University of British Columbia. Five test-holes were drilled by the Department of Highways on the University Endowment Lands. One well was also test-pumped. This well, which has a limited capacity, was turned over to the University as a source of water for the raising of fish, as water supplied by the Greater Vancouver Water Board has been found to be unsuitable for this purpose. The investigation indicated that it is not feasible to intercept the ground-water and thereby reduce or eliminate its discharge along sea cliffs. Test Drilling near Prince George As part of the investigation started in 1962 around Prince George, a test-hole was drilled under a contract north of the airport. This was completed as a well and was test-pumped. It has a very limited capacity but has been turned over to the Airport Hill Improvement District as a source for a possible domestic water system. Alice Siding, near Creston, Test Drilling An investigation was carried out at Alice Siding, near Creston, to check the feasibility of using a ground-water source for a domestic water system. Two test- EE 68 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE holes were drilled under a contract; one of these was completed as a production well and test-pumped. It has a limited capacity but may be used as a source for a domestic system at such time as an improvement district is incorporated in that area. Miscellaneous Investigations In the Similkameen Valley near Keremeos a brief investigation was carried out to check the feasibility of using ground-water as a source for irrigation water at such time as the system of the Keremeos Irrigation District is renewed. Such a source seems feasible, although it is not possible to conclude anything definite without some drilling. Limited investigations, involving geological reconnaissance, were carried out at Australian Creek, south of Quesnel, and in the South Okanagan between Vaseux Creek and the International Boundary. Advice was given to the British Columbia Research Council on feasibility of constructing a sewage-disposal well at a poultry-processing plant in Surrey, where alternative sewage-disposal methods are being studied. A brief report and ground-water data were presented to the British Columbia Health Department when pollution of a municipal water-supply well at Aldergrove had been brought to our attention. The Engineering Services of the British Columbia Forest Service was advised on the feasibility and construction of an irrigation well at a new forest nursery near Duncan. A brief report on the ground-water conditions near a gravel pit in North Surrey was prepared. Drainage-works installed by gravel-pit operators had apparently caused a number of nearby wells to go dry. Two dam-sites on the west side of the Okanagan Valley were examined at the request of the Kelowna District Engineer, Water Rights Branch. Further laboratory tests of material underlying these dams are to be carried out. A pumping test at a newly drilled artesian rock well in Victoria was observed and the results analysed. A study has been started east of the Okanagan Valley in preparation for establishing one or more observation wells at high elevation to furnish data which may be useful in run-off prediction. BASIN PLANNING AND POWER DIVISION The functions of this newly formed Division of the Water Investigations Branch fall into two main sections—((1) development of plans for water conservation on regional or watershed basis with an immediate aim to indicate feasibility of improving the dependability of surface water supplies in areas where readily available water supplies have been exhausted, and (2) continuation of inventory of undeveloped hydro-electric power potential of the Province. At the end of 1963, only one professional engineer had been assigned to each of the above-mentioned two sections. Similkameen Basin Water Supply Water supplies presently available in the Similkameen River and its tributaries during low flood periods have been fully appropriated under the existing water licences on both sides of the International Boundary. A study has been commenced to ascertain economic and engineering feasibility of small and medium potential water-storage sites in the Similkameen River basin. This study involves determina- WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH EE 69 tion of run-off and its variation, office and field reconnaissance of potential dam- sites, and preparation of preliminary cost estimates of more attractive potential storage developments. A brief field visit to the basin was undertaken in the fall of 1963, and basin- wide run-off studies are presently being carried out. Stikine-Dease Rivers Hydro Power A detailed study has been commenced to determine the hydro-power potential of the Stikine River basin, including the augmentation of its own potential by the diversion of water from the Dease River, which is located outside the basin, into the Tanzilla River, a tributary of the Stikine River. The purpose of the study is to determine the amounts of firm and secondary energy which can be made available by an integrated system of storage and power dams giving optimum economic development. Owing to the lack of adequate stream-flow data on the Stikine River, it was necessary to extend the existing run-off record by correlation with the Skeena River at Usk. Further run-off determinations have been made for certain potential dam- sites and also for different portions of the Stikine River basin. For the purpose of determining the power potential of a power system involving four storage and power sites, a series of flow-regulation computations was carried out for each area that has reasonably uniform flow characteristics, so that the flow expressed per square mile of drainage area can be reasonably applied to the entire area or any portion of the area for which a regulation computation chart has been prepared. These studies are continuing and will be followed by preliminary engineering investigations of the potential power-sites. Cottonwood River Hydro Power, near Cassiar Preliminary investigations have been commenced to determine the feasibility of a hydro-power development on the Cottonwood River, near Cassiar, to supply the electric-power requirements of the mining operation of Cassiar Asbestos Corporation Limited and the Cassiar townsite. A temporary hydrometric station in the form of a staff gauge is being read, and planning is under way to change this to an automatic recording-station when weather conditions permit. Air photography of the river is also proposed. RECORDS COMPILATION AND REPORTS SECTION This Section of the Water Investigations Branch is performing the following functions: To assemble and maintain engineering reports and other technical records, general office duties of the Branch, and to undertake technical computations arising from engineering investigations. During 1963 some 110 engineering reports were assembled and registered in the report library, bringing the total available reports to over 1,120. The Central Microfilm Bureau commenced microfilming of engineering reports, and this project is expected to be completed in early 1964. The report library contains reports by many agencies relating to the water resources of British Columbia, but the majority of reports on file there have been prepared by Water Resources Service staff. The following table shows the number of such reports and the general fields which they cover:— EE 70 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Technical Reports in Library Prepared by Water Resources Service Staff Period (Years) Water Power Water Supply Floods, Drainage, Dyking Groundwater Hydrology Totals 1911-20 1921-25 1926-30 1931-35... 1936-40 13 107 25 7 8 21 14 26 6 1 3 25 5 1 To 27 57 69 27 3 ~8 39 38 20 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 2 ~2 10 9 7 17 136 31 8 8 1941-15 1946-50 1951-55 1956-60 32 52 140 123 1961-62 57 Totals 228 224 108 16 28 604 DRAUGHTING OFFICE The Draughting Office of the Water Investigations Branch performs engineering draughting services to both the Water Investigations Branch and the Water Rights Branch. During the past year the draughting of some 19 projects has been completed, involving a total of 70 plans. In addition, a total of 144 autopositives or prints from seven projects was obtained from the Topographic Division of the Surveys and Mapping Branch, Lands Service. Other general work included the listing of precipitation records and the making of plats of Snow Survey Bulletins. There was continued intensive use of air photographs in preparation of engineering investigations and reports. A total of 1,180 ah photographs was received and filed. This number was supplemented by 348 air-photo prints, 52 enlargements, and 70 autopositives of enlargements of ah photos which were obtained from the Surveys and Mapping Branch or the Hunting Survey Corporation. WATER PROJECTS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACT (A.R.D.A.) A section is being formed for the purpose of reviewing or preparing water- project proposals under Federal-Provincial A.R.D.A. assistance programme, and for supervising of the construction of certain approved water projects. The Deputy Minister of Water Resources submits A.R.D.A. water-project proposals to the Department of Agriculture and to the Deputy Ministers' A.R.D.A. Committee for recommendation, and if a project is approved by the Provincial and Federal A.R.D.A. authorities, the Water Resources Service will be responsible for implementing the project. At the end of 1963 three water projects had received Provincial-Federal approval and were under construction, as follows:— (1) Vernon Irrigation District—reconstruction of King Edward Lake storage dam. (2) Scotty Creek Irrigation District—James (Trapper) Lake storage-dam reconstruction. (3) Glenmore Irrigation District—raising of balancing-reservoir dam. An additional 28 water-project proposals are under various stages of review. Of these, consulting engineers have prepared preliminary reports on three proposals, P.F.R.A. is investigating four proposed projects, and the remaining 21 proposals are being attended to by the engineers of the Water Rights Branch or the Water Investigations Branch. SOUTHERN OKANAGAN LANDS PROJECT SOUTHERN OKANAGAN LANDS PROIECT EE 73 SOUTHERN OKANAGAN LANDS PROJECT F. O. McDonald, Manager The Southern Okanagan Lands Project operations comprise the following water-supply systems:— (1) Gravity irrigation system with seven booster pumps, serving some 4,800 acres. (2) Pumped irrigation system (No. 2), serving 220 acres. (3) Oliver domestic water-supply system. In 1919 the British Columbia Legislature passed the Soldiers' Land Act, which enabled the Province to purchase 22,000 acres of land from the Southern Okanagan Land Company for the sum of $350,000. This area was thought to contain about 13,000 acres of irrigable land, a figure later reduced to 8,000, of which only 5,500 acres have ever received irrigation water. About 500 acres of the total arable area are valley bottom-land that requires no irrigation. All the S.O.L.P. lands are within the boundaries of Lot 2450 (S.), which extends some 18 miles north from the International Boundary and includes the Villages of Osoyoos and Oliver. Construction of the gravity irrigation system was completed in 1924, using water diverted from the Okanagan River at Mclntyre Bluff. The diversion dam was reconstructed under the Okanagan Flood-control Act in 1956. The main concrete diversion canal is 22.3 miles in length with a slope in the neighbourhood of 1:4,000. In the upper reach, the main canal has a capacity of some 170 cubic feet per second, and its bottom is 8 feet in width with side slopes at 1:1. Main gullies and depressions are crossed by means of metal or wood flumes which have a total length of 4 miles, totalling 27 in number. The Okanagan River valley is crossed by an inverted wood-stave and riveted steel siphon having a 78-inch inside diameter. The laterals from the main canal, 28 in number, have a combined length of some 42 miles, varying in size from 4 to 24 inches. Seven booster pumps force the water to higher levels, irrigating a total of some 950 acres. The laterals are mainly constructed of plain concrete pipe, which was made locally. Many of the major components of the system are due for renewal, and an expensive programme of reconstruction will be required during the next 5 or 10 years. In 1949 a 220-acre tract of land at the east side of the valley approximately 4 miles south of Oliver, now called S.O.L.P. No. 2, was placed under irrigation. Water is pumped from the Okanagan River to some 20 parcels of land. The S.O.L.P. irrigation system was designed to supply 2.5 acre-feet of water per acre per year with an irrigation season of 120 days. As the irrigable acreage was considerably less than anticipated, the system has had surplus capacity, which, in turn, has permitted an increase in the irrigation-water allowance, particularly in the Osoyoos area where the soils are light. This has also resulted in excessive irrigation with consequent seepage problems. These have been studied in the Osoyoos area, and certain drainage improvements have been carried out in the recent past. The S.O.L.P. irrigation systems have a total of 680 irrigation and some 100 garden sprinkling connections. It is estimated that approximately 75 per cent of the area is under sprinkler irrigation, and that some 60 per cent of the land receives pressure water supply from individual pumps. Oliver domestic water-supply system was installed in 1920. At the present time the water is pumped from the Okanagan River through a buried intake. The pumping plant of 130 horsepower has an installed capacity of 1,500 gallons per minute. The system has three wood-stave storage tanks with a combined capacity EE 74 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE of 180,000 gallons. There are at the present time 585 domestic, 84 commercial, and 7 industrial connections, and 74 fire-hydrants. Eighty-seven homes are served outside the boundaries of the Oliver Village. The Southern Okanagan Lands Project has been operated under a vote passed by the Provincial Legislature annually, based on estimates submitted by the Project manager. All revenue from irrigation and domestic water charges, land sales and leases, etc., has gone into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Province, and disbursements to the Project have been made from the same source without any relation to the revenues received from the Project. For many years in the past the Project's expenditures have exceeded the revenue. The Southern Okanagan Lands Project was administered by the Department of Lands and Forests up until April, 1956, when it was transferred to the Department of Agriculture, which held this responsibility until April, 1963, when the Project was transferred to the Water Resources Service. The Project was managed from 1919 to 1925 by F. H. Latimer. He was followed by H. Earle until 1928, C. A. C. Steward until 1932, D. G. McCrae until 1945, D. W. Hodsdon until 1954, and by F. O. McDonald up to the present time. PROJECT OPERATION FOR 1963 Irrigation water was turned into the main canal on May 2nd and run uninterruptedly until September 30th. Domestic water cisterns were replenished from the irrigation system from February 17th to 20th, later than usual due to repair work of the system. Precipitation was deficient in October, resulting in a request by many growers for additional water. This was supplied on November 1st to 10th. The maintenance and renewal programme included the following work: Some 1,200 feet of Flume No. 21 was renewed during November and December, 1962. A start was made on the drainage work in the vicinity of Richter Pass Road. In late February, replacement was made to portions of the concrete canal sides and bottom, suffering from frost heave and general deterioration. Replacement of rotted timber at flume trestles was done throughout the winter. In March and April, concrete ditches were cleaned by water jet and brushing and then received asphalt coatings. About 3,000 feet of canal were waterproofed, using fibreglass matting imbedded in asphalt. The full lengths of the Main Canal and of the major laterals were completely gone over by a special crew using tar kettle, burlap stripping, and fibreglass reinforcement. Some 200 feet of Lateral G were renewed by 24-inch reinforced- concrete pipe. New concrete footings were placed under the main siphon at the old river channel. The pipe-line from Pump No. 2 was renewed by asbestos-cement pipe. Oliver domestic water system received the following renewals: 913 feet of 6-inch asbestos-cement pipe on Fourth Avenue between Seventh and Fifth Streets, 812 feet of 6-inch asbestos-cement pipe on Fifth Avenue between First and Second Streets, 463 feet of 4-inch asbestos-cement pipe on Fifth Street between Second and Fourth Avenues, and 560 feet of 6-inch asbestos-cement pipe from the village boundary along Fairview Road; in addition, on Seventh Street all hydrants were connected to the asbestos-cement pipe. On April 1, 1963, the Southern Okanagan Lands Project was transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Water Resources Service. A cost accounting system for the Project's expenditures was initiated under guidance from the officers of the Water Resources Service. An engineering investigation into the operations of the gravity irrigation system was undertaken by the Water Investigations Branch of the Water Resources Service. SOUTHERN OKANAGAN LANDS PROJECT EE 75 Ten new lots, totalling 99.75 acres, seven on Testalinden Creek fan and three on Reed Creek fan, were sold at public auction by the Superintendent of Lands, Lands Service. The annual revenue of the Project is as follows:— Irrigation-water charges Domestic-water charges Land sales Sundry (topsoil, gravel, etc.)_ $57,784.27 23,037.18 10,183.23 1,087.22 Total $92,091.90 ACCOUNTING DIVISION WATER RESOURCES SERVICE REVENUE AND EXPENSE GRAPH FOR FISCAL YEARS 1935-1963 AND DISTRIBUTION DIAGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 1962- 1963 EXPEN DITURE *9 1990 1953 ■ISCAL. >E*BS tEHD.NS MARCH. St**) Plate 7. ACCOUNTING DIVISION EE 79 ACCOUNTING DIVISION M. B. Maclean, B.Com., Departmental Comptroller Revenue from water rentals and recording fees amounted to $1,935,778.43 for the calendar year 1963 and was derived from the following sources:- Domestic, incidental use and fees Waterworks Irrigation Power Funds held on application Total $76,399.76 13,710.33 3,485.94 1,824,179.22 18,003.18 $1,935,778.43 Water-licence rental is payable annually, and the billing (except for power) is issued early in January of each year. As of December 31, 1963, the Branch has on file 17,869 licences involving approximately 14,500 accounts. The apparent decrease in revenue from 1962 to 1963 is explained by the fact that in 1962 the Water Rights Branch received some $280,000 in application fees and first year's rental from the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority for the Portage Mountain project. Licences were issued in December, 1962, with the result that rentals for practically the whole of 1963 had in effect been paid in advance. The initial annual rentals for the project amount to $127,809.50, which will show up in the 1964 figures. Comparison of Water Rentals and Recording Fees Revenue for 10-year Period 1954-63, Inclusive 1954 ■KMK $813,413.61 1955 mmm^^m 849,980.00 1956 wnonn 1,081,592.07 1957 mmmmmmmmm 1,152,370.05 1958 BnawnnM 1,256,004.37 1959 ■■EBBnHH 1,363,939.33 1960 HnHtBHBI 1,510,277.86 1961 manmmmmmmmmmKBBmmmmm 1,853,653.18 1962 BHMHHnHHHI 2,115,738.00 1963 ■■n.-.l-H^nM^BBM 1,935,778.43 Total $13,932,746.90 Ten-year average, $1,393,274.69. PERSONNEL SECTION PERSONNEL SECTION EE 83 PERSONNEL SECTION J. H. Palmer, B.A., B.Com., Personnel Officer An active year in personnel matters was recorded in 1963, owing principally to the addition of 29 new positions to the permanent establishment of the Department, to the commencement of work under the A.R.D.A. programme, and to the transfer of the Southern Okanagan Lands Project from the Department of Agriculture to this Department. These factors and normal turn-over resulted in the total of personnel actions listed below:— Casual employees transferred to permanent staff 14 New recruits for permanent staff 16 Promotional competitions (6 of which involved transfers) 11 Internal transfers 2 Transfers to other departments (pending) 2 Resignations 6 Civil Service casual appointments and (or) terminations 9 Departmental appointments and (or) terminations 23 Reclassifications 9 Promotions included the following key positions: Mr. T. A. J. Leach was appointed Engineer 6 in the position Assistant Chief, Water Investigations Branch; Mr. R. G. Harris was appointed Engineer 5, to head the Water Supply and Investigations Division; Mr. W. K. A. Dobson was appointed Engineer 4, in charge of A.R.D.A. projects; and Mr. D. E. Smuin was appointed Administrative Officer 2 and placed in charge of the newly created Water Licensing Division. New appointments to the staff include 10 engineers, of whom Messrs. G. F. Cox, J. C. Purnell, C. Wild, and P. E. Jarvis had previous engineering experience. The Department was also fortunate in obtaining the services of Dr. J. C. Foweraker, a specialist in ground-water, and of Mr. J. D. Watts, who transferred from the Public Utilities Commission. The remaining engineers were recruited as engineers-in- training, principally from the University of British Columbia. Other organizational changes of note included the appointment of Mr. M. L. Zirul as Chief of the District Engineers Division so that he may devote full time to the supervision of engineering problems and district office work. The resignation of Mr. J. P. Riley, Engineer 5 (Fraser River), was accepted with regret. Mr. Riley is returning to university to take his doctorate in engineering. Formal staff-training programmes included a two-week Snow Hydrology Training Course at Portiand, Ore., for Mr. H. I. Hunter, Meteorologist, and the completion by Mr. M. L. Zirul of the three-year Public Administration Course under the sponsorship of the Civil Service Commission and the University of British Columbia. Mr. W. R. Tuthill completed the second year of the latter course, and Mr. R. G. Harris and Mr. C. K. Harman completed the first year. Mr. J. T. Gulliver commenced the first year of this course in September. The staff at the end of the year comprised the following:— Civil Servants 951 Casual employees 11 Southern Okanagan Lands Project employees 20 Fraser River Board employees 10 i Excluding 6 vacancies. Printed by A. Sutton, Printer to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in right of the Province of British Columbia. 1964 1,560-664-7100
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REPORT of the WATER RESOURCES SERVICE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1963 British Columbia. Legislative Assembly [1964]
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Title | REPORT of the WATER RESOURCES SERVICE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1963 |
Alternate Title | WATER RESOURCES SERVICE |
Creator |
British Columbia. Legislative Assembly |
Publisher | Victoria, BC : Government Printer |
Date Issued | [1964] |
Genre |
Legislative proceedings |
Type |
Text |
FileFormat | application/pdf |
Language | English |
Identifier | J110.L5 S7 1964_V02_22_EE1_EE83 |
Collection |
Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Source | Original Format: Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Library. Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Date Available | 2018-02-05 |
Provider | Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library |
Rights | Images provided for research and reference use only. For permission to publish, copy or otherwise distribute these images please contact the Legislative Library of British Columbia |
CatalogueRecord | http://resolve.library.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/catsearch?bid=1198198 |
DOI | 10.14288/1.0364009 |
AggregatedSourceRepository | CONTENTdm |
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