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.
• For more information on odours

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.

Here is more information on this issue: 

While foul odours from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are common, they are certainly unpleasant. The offensive odours are caused by anaerobic decomposition of organic compounds (bio-solids). A natural by-product of anaerobic digestion is hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which gives off the strong odour. Odours vary from season to season and day to day as higher temperatures elevate the smell and wind-direction blows it around.

Is it dangerous or unhealthy?

While offensive, there is no threat to public health from the smell at the WWTP.

Why do odours seem worse in the spring and summer?

• Removal of bio-solids, also known as sludge, must be done in the spring and summer months and is essential to ensuring space for annual bio-solids collection.
• The process of bio-solids removal includes using drying beds to empty two large sludge holding basins. Typically, one basin will hold bio-solids for a full season while the other basin is being emptied.
• The largest sludge holding basin is being emptied this year to incorporate space for construction of a new WWTP beginning in 2026.
• Once dried to between 4% and 20% moisture content, the bio-solids are then removed from the site and trucked to the Central Landfill. This step can also create increased odours.
• Weather patterns and wind direction can also dramatically increase odours in certain neighbourhoods.

Why has it gotten worse over the years?

• Operational struggles due to the age of the existing WWTP and its components have made keeping up with bio-solids removal difficult
• The ever-increasing population within Kimberley is contributing to increasing bio-solids, requiring them to be managed and removed in larger volumes annually.
• The volume and composition of the sewer influent to the WWTP is changing on an ongoing basis making operation of aging WWTP technology difficult.
• Various chemicals and other materials are flushed or drained into the wastewater treatment infrastructure. These chemicals and/or materials are reducing the WWTPs ability to break down bio-solids efficiently. The public is asked to ensure they are disposing of these materials properly and not flushing them down the toilet or releasing them down their drains. These materials include hot tub water, car and carpet wash chemicals, fats, oils, greases, wipes, and feminine hygiene products. If you are unsure what to do with these materials, please call City Operations at 250-427-9660.

What else is contributing to the odour?

• The WWTP operations do not include odour control of any form. Modern facilities have extensive odour control systems.
• At Kimberley’s WWTP, aeration tanks and a sludge aeration basin require constant mixing. These are open to the atmosphere and are running 24/7.
• Bio-solids from the aeration basin and tanks settle in uncovered, open-air sludge holding basins. Annually one holding basin will be dewatered and the bio-solids thickened through evaporation and the addition of sawdust before moved to drying beds to complete the process.
• Annual biosolids removal incorporates dewatering the sludge storage basins to target the settled biosolids in the bottom of the basins.
• Dewatering is simply taking the clear water (supernatant) layer on top of the biosolids and sending it back to process exposing the solids below. When the top water layer is removed, we are essentially removing the “water cap”. When this “water cap” is removed it allows the odors from the biosolids below to be exposed to air, causing potential odors
• Winds tend to flow Eastward in the Spring travelling down the valley carrying any odors that may be present to nearby occupants.
• In the spring and summer months drying beds are used to dry the bio-solids removed from the sludge holding basins. This process is what typically triggers most of the odour complaints as it is evaporation of the odour laden liquid from the bio-solids that causes the increase in odours. This operational process is required to dry the bio-solids enough that they can be legally hauled to the regional landfill.
• All the above operations involve or result in evaporation of process liquid and the release of the odours those evaporated liquids contain.
• The regional landfill is only permitted to receive the bio-solids once they have dried to 4-20% [RT1] [RT2] moisture content. They cannot receive wet bio-solids.
• Ministry of Environment (MOE) regulations do not permit for fast bulk removal of bio-solids, as the rapid removal of the solids will result in the remaining liquids entering the WWTP process. This would cause a plant upset resulting in non-compliant effluent discharge to the St. Mary River.
• To increase the volume of bio-solids dried in one spring/summer season, operations to enhance the drying process are being utilized, unfortunately this also increases the odours created at the same time.
• Odour issues at the WWTP have been ongoing for many years as noted in a report from 1999 to review odour issues at the WWTP. 

What is being done to reduce odours?

• On an annual basis the WWTP operations monitors the digested solids that enters the digester and sludge holding basins.
• Enzymes are added as part of a proactive approach to basin treatment that promotes healthy biological activity in both the indigenous and added bacteria.
• These enzymes/cultures are set to work in every area of health to balance the biological oxygen demand degrading processes. This reduces compacted sludge, clarifies the water, and reduces odors.
• Powerful bacterial strains with custom bio stimulants deliver rapid and sustainable sludge reduction. Formulated for direct-to-sludge application, tablets sink to the bottom where they initiate organic sludge digestion, breaking down accumulated solids and reducing the sludge blanket thickness. This targeted action not only improves effluent water quality by lowering TSS (Total Suspended Solids), ammonia, and phosphate, but also helps stabilize pH and reduce coliform bacteria—supporting greater permit compliance and environmental stewardship.
• These added enzymes, cultures, and bacteria reduce bio-solids stored in the basins and odours.
• Staff are also working diligently to keep the WWTP compliant with all regulations of the Ministry of Environment (MOE), Municipal Waste Regulation (MWR) and Municipal Liquid Waste Authorizations (MLWA).
• Managing the bio-solids aggressively this year will mean that the WWTP will be able to operate more efficiently and is expected to produce less odours.
• Current sludge holding capacity will be reduced during construction of the new WWTP during this time alternative means of bio-solids removal, such as geo-tubes, will be used.
• A geotube or geotextile tube is a sediment control solution often used in hydraulic, marine protection, environmental protection, and remediation markets. These prefabricated tube-shaped bags are highly effective for sludge dewatering applications. They work by trapping or filtering sediment inside the container engineered with high-tenacity polypropylene yarns. This material is woven tightly, creating a stable network. Meanwhile, water permeates through the geotextile material. Geotubes offers an innovative approach to dewatering
• Odour masking agents have been used in the past but did not prove to be effective with the volume of solids being moved or with the frequency of mixing required to achieve adequate drying.

How long before a new WWTP is in place?

• In December 2023, it was announced that the City of Kimberley would build a new wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) after confirmation of combined investment commitments of more than $90.6 million from federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
• Following a comprehensive review of the original proposed design, the City announced key updates to the project including modifications to the design, treatment process, and location of the plant. These changes are critical to help ensure the project remains within budget and meets the City’s growing needs for wastewater management.
• The modified design for a new WWTP is nearing completion and construction is planned to begin in 2026.This new WWTP will have odour control and bio-solids dewatering contained within the facility to allow for immediate removal to the regional landfill.
• Construction of the new facility will take 2.5 to 3 years to complete

City of Kimberley Operations

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.

Read the 2026-2031 Mosquito Control Program Report for more information. 

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.

The City also requires ample space to store snow until it can be hauled to an alternate location. Please avoid parking in these locations once the storage site has been established:

• 260 Howard St (across from Over time parking lot), Eight parking spots in the middle of the lot.
• 265 Wallinger Ave (Post office parking lot)   
• 260 Archibald St (Save–on-Food) This is in front of the apartments  
• 312 304 ave (Fish Park)  
• 448 304 St (Sole to Sole) This will be next to the business, not in front of)   

Due to new builds in Marysville some changes are being made and we will be trying to improve on location for future storage. 

• 472 305^th ave will be made larger to accommodate snow storage.
• 472 304^th st (On 305^th Ave side)
• 553-559 304^th St due to new builds

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