The Boston Bar water system was vandalized last week as wildfires continued to impact the area, according to a news release from the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD).
The alleged vandalism occurred inside an area under an evacuation order due to the Brunswick Complex wildfires.
The FVRD said it received a high flow alarm at about 11:30 p.m. on Thursday (July 23), indicating that the Boston Bar water system’s valve riser was opened, feeding it with water.
Per the news release, the Boston Bar water system was shut down by the FVRD earlier on Thursday since the water supply was sharply decreasing while the draw was increasing.
“By turning this valve, and doing so incorrectly, it created the potential to build a water hammer throughout the water system thus creating a catastrophic failure to the water system,” the FVRD said.
Regional district staff turned the water service back off at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Friday (July 24).
The area was also under a Boil Water Notice from the FVRD, a stage 4 water conservation measure, and notification that the FVRD was prioritizing water access to BC Wildfire Service.
“These stages of water access were communicated publicly even though nobody should be in an evacuation order area,” FVRD said.
Per the release, FVRD staff are currently unable to assess damage to the water system until the area is safe to enter.
After the water system is restored, the FVRD said it will ensure “all steps are taken” to provide safe drinking water to the people who use it.
“Unfortunately, this incident has the potential to burden taxpayers who pay for water service through substantial repair costs for the water system. The FVRD is hoping the water system endured minimal damage as a result of the vandalism however, felt it important to advise the community about the potential damage,” the news release reads.
According to the FVRD Emergency Operations Centre page, last updated on Saturday (July 25), Boston Bar and North Bend water systems will continue to run intermittently while water access to the BC Wildfire Service is prioritized.
Those with information are urged to contact Hope RCMP, referencing file 2026-31913.