Seasonal City Operations

During the “freshet” or spring run-off, the water entering the City of Kimberley’s distribution system may be cloudy or turbid. Turbidity is a measurement of water clarity and can be an indicator of a potential health risk.  The City posts the daily average turbidity reading every weekday under Water Quality/Turbidity Index.

Water levels in Mark Creek can change rapidly, and are especially high during spring run-off.   Flows are extremely fast when water levels are high and present an extreme danger to anyone falling in the creek.   Stay clear of the creek during periods of high flow.

For more information on Water Services, click HERE

City of Kimberley has the Water Shortage Response Bylaw #2527

The Central Emergency Program and the City of Kimberley are prepared to respond in the event of flooding. Please read the following documents to find out how you can prepare and learn what to expect in the event of a flood.

For more information, click on the links below:

• Emergency Measures for Flooding
• PreparedBC - Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery
• Spring Flooding Tips
• Sandbag Tips
• Detailed Drawing - Flash Board Flood Protection Barrier
• Mold After Flooding

Debris flows are fast-moving mixtures of water, sediment, boulders and logs that flow down steep mountain creeks. In recent years, debris flows have caused fatalities, near misses and significant property damage in the Kootenays.

To read more on how to identify a debris flow hazard, please click HERE.

What you should do in an emergency: 
• To report a debris flow emergency that is occurring call 911. 
• To report observations of these debris indicators, call the 24-hour provincial toll-free number: 1 800 663-3456 
• Local governments are responsible for responding to emergencies in their jurisdiction. 
• The provincial government will provide technical expertise and assistance to local governments during 
emergencies. For more information, visit: www.embc.gov.bc.ca/index.htm 

Jet rodding (or hydro jetting) cleans sewer pipes through the use of high intensity water.  It helps to cut through grease and debris and lessens the potential for sewer backups in the main lines.  City crews carry out a regular jet rodding maintenance program and use this method for clearing sewer backup problems.  City bylaws require that backflow preventers be installed in order to prevent sewer backups and any issues that may occur due to maintenance of sewer lines. A backflow preventer allows water and materials that back up to escape from the cleanout rather than flow into a home.

“Blowbacks” occur in some homes during this process.  The installation of a backwater valve (backflow prevention device) will prevent blowbacks.  A certified plumber will be able to suggest alternate solutions.

For more information on sewer backups, click HERE

Our crews repair potholes regularly, fitting the work in between other essential duties. If you've spotted a large pothole, you can help by reporting it so we can add it to our repair list.

Please take note of the nearest street address or crossroads and report the issue in one of the following ways:

• Use our Lightship Public Reporting Tool - https://kimberley.opsready.com/v2/public
• Email us at operations@kimberley.ca

We understand concerns about odours from the Kimberley Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). While unpleasant, these smells—caused by natural processes like anaerobic digestion—are not harmful to public health.

Odours tend to be stronger in spring and summer due to seasonal bio-solids removal, drying processes, and weather patterns. The WWTP is aging and operating at capacity, which contributes to increased odours.

What’s being done?

• Enzymes and bacteria are added to reduce sludge and odours
• Staff follow strict Ministry of Environment regulations
• New drying methods like geo-tubes are being introduced
• A new WWTP is planned to begin construction in 2026. Read more about the new plant on our WWTP Page.

How you can help:
Please avoid flushing chemicals, oils, wipes, and other non-biodegradable materials. If you're unsure how to dispose of something, contact City Operations at 250-427-9660.

Once the snow melts, our crews begin clearing the gravel spread over streets and sidewalks during winter. Street sweeping typically runs through April and May.

To help us, we ask residents and business owners to sweep any sand or gravel from sidewalks into the gutters before the street sweeper arrives in your area.

Each spring and summer, City contractor Spectrum Resources carries out invasive weed treatment at various locations across Kimberley.

Invasive species are non-native organisms that can harm our environment, economy, or health. Invasive plants are the second biggest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. Under the BC Weed Control Act, all landowners and occupiers are legally required to manage listed noxious weeds.

The City uses integrated pest management practices to treat invasive plants effectively and responsibly, considering plant lifecycles, pollinator safety, and environmental impact. Treatments vary depending on the species and conditions.

Please give crews and equipment space to work. This year’s program will wrap up by the end of August 2025.

To report an invasive species, call City Operations at 250-427-9660.

Want to learn more?

• How to identify and report noxious weeds
• Tips on invasive plant control from the RDEK

The City of Kimberley runs a seasonal Mosquito Surveillance and Control Program to help reduce nuisance mosquito populations and minimize discomfort for residents and visitors.

The goal is to suppress mosquito activity during peak spring and summer months using targeted treatment methods that are safe and effective.

Find more information HERE. 

The City of Kimberley’s Annual Public Works Open House is a fun and informative event that gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at the essential services that keep our community running.

Enjoy a free BBQ, explore interactive displays, and get up close with heavy equipment like loaders, boom trucks, excavators, and graders. Meet the skilled Public Works professionals who operate them and learn more about their work.

We also offer Mark Creek Dam Tours during the event — an exciting opportunity to see this important infrastructure in action.

Stay tuned to the City’s website and social media accounts for details on this awesome event!

To maintain the water distribution system and ensure safe drinking water, the City periodically flushes water lines using hydrants throughout the community.

During this process, residents may notice temporary water discoloration. While it may look concerning, it is not a health risk.

If the water service line to your home has ever frozen or you have noticed a reduced water flow in your home during the winter, leave one tap running cold water day and night (stream should be the size of a pencil). This will help to prevent your lines from freezing.  Since frost sinks deeper into the ground when air temperatures rise after a period of extreme cold, you will need to keep the water running 24/7 until mid-April to avoid having the line freeze.  

The City encourages residents who have experienced frozen water service lines in the past to be pro-active by ensuring indoor lines are properly insulated, keeping a good snow cover over the ground above the service lines and installing a bleeder line system.

Your sewer line is also at risk of freezing.  If you notice the water in your sink or bathtub draining slower than usual, please run hot water down your drain to see if drain flow improves. If it does, continue to run hot water down your drain several time a day until the weather changes and the cold snap has passed.  If hot water does not improve the flow, contact a plumber.

For more information on Preventing & Thawing Frozen Pipes, click HERE
For other suggestions from Columbia Basin WaterSmart, click HERE
For an option that doesn't require leaving water running, click HERE

Shift into Winter is a joint provincial initiative supported by organizations committed to improving the safety of drivers during the winter months.    Every day thousands of BC drivers and workers are at risk of being injured or killed while on the road. The risk increases significantly when winter weather makes roads more hazardous due to fog, rain, snow and ice. 

If you can, wait until the weather improves before getting in your car.  If you have to drive, drive smart.  The best way to stay safe on the roads in winter is to avoid driving when road and weather conditions are bad. Even an hour or two can make a big difference. Make sure your vehicle is winter ready, give yourself lots of extra time to get where you need to go and carry an emergency survival kit.

A few moments thinking about it now could save you problems when you are behind the wheel.  Click on these links for more tips:

• Mainroad New Release 2017-10-24 Be prepared for the Unpredictability of Winter
• Drive for the Conditions
• Prepare Yourself for Winter Conditions

Each winter, the Operations & Environment Services Department maintains approximately 80 km of paved and gravel roads, including lanes, and over 15 km of pedestrian pathways throughout Kimberley. Our goal is to keep roads and walkways safe and passable while delivering cost-effective, high-quality service.

Please remember: snow and ice control is not a substitute for safe driving. Always use caution and drive defensively in winter conditions.

Visit our Snow Removal page for more information on routes, priorities, and how you can help!