Safe Drinking Water Must Come First

Families in Olalla spent much of last summer under boil water conditions. Today, they are still living under a water advisory.

That reality raises a simple but important question. Why are we funding water meters before ensuring the water is safe to drink?

In the Legislature recently, I spoke about the need to get the priorities right when it comes to water infrastructure in rural communities. Conservation tools and measurement have a role, but they cannot come ahead of the most basic requirement, which is access to safe, reliable drinking water.

What I am hearing from residents across Boundary Similkameen is clear. Communities are not asking for more pilot programs, reporting frameworks, or new ways to track usage. They are asking for real investment in infrastructure. They want treatment upgrades that remove advisories, systems that are reliable, and long term solutions that protect their water sources.

Olalla is not alone. Other communities in the region, including Heritage Hills, areas near Hedley, and areas near Keremeos, have also experienced ongoing water advisories. In each case, local governments and volunteers have already done the work to identify what is needed. What is missing is action.

Fixing the water must come before measuring it.

This is not about opposing conservation. It is about sequencing. People should not be asked to measure or manage water they cannot safely drink. The priority must always be to ensure that water is clean, safe, and dependable.

I will continue to advocate for practical, infrastructure focused solutions that reflect what communities are actually asking for.

Watch My Statement in the Legislature

If you are experiencing similar issues in your community or would like to share your perspective, I encourage you to reach out to my office.