A tap with free water will once again flow at Watershed Park.
The North Delta park is the municipality's largest, situated on a large artesian water supply.
Delta council agreed earlier this month to an engineering department recommendation to install a drinking water station in the park, just weeks after three natural springs along the park's border with Highway 91 were capped. The capping drew the ire of Delta residents as well as some from outside the community.
Stones had been placed on the springs due to concerns about water quality and users crossing train tracks near Highway 91 to access the water.
The wells had proved popular with people often coming to the park to fill up large containers, even though the water has not been used as a municipal supply for over 60 years and wasn't tested for contaminants.
The potential of someone getting hit by a train as well as constant warning whistles were also issues council wanted addressed. A report to council notes BNSF Railway staff deemed the trespass situation had the potential for serious injury and/or loss of life.
The rail company requested the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Delta take steps to eliminate the trespassing, prompting the capping of the wells as well as new fencing.
Engineering director Steven Lan said the new water station, which people will have to pump by hand, will be located close to the scout camp in a more central area of the park.
A water line with controls will be connected from one of the three existing wells to the new watering station, costing around $45,000.
The rail company will review the effectiveness of the measures and Delta anticipates the whistle blowing will cease when that review is completed, council was told.
Mayor Lois Jackson said the park's watering station is meant for people out for a bike or walk that want to fill up their personal water bottles.
"I don't have a problem with this. It's not for large containers, like we've seen people wheeling in. It's not for commercial uses and it's not for wine making," she said.
The new water station would be part of the municipal water distribution system and water quality testing would be done on a regular basis.
The engineering department says staff at Fraser Health indicated it didn't have any concerns provided the water is monitored.
Signage will also be placed by the old artesian wells, informing the public of the new water station and clarifying that water from the old wells is not approved for public consumption.
When asked if there could be a new set of problems with the new watering station, CAO George Harvie said they'll have to wait and see.
Coun. Bruce McDonald said it appears to be a good solution, although he anticipates there could be some with giant watering containers that might try to cut the new fencing and get at the old wells. Delta will deal with that situation if it arises, he said, adding in the meantime the incessant train whistling will have stopped.
Almost a decade ago, council ordered a tap in another area of the park shut down because vehicles would regularly line up for water, causing traffic jams and dangerous U-turns along Kittson Parkway.
Council at the time also said it didn't want people from out of town arriving in pickup trucks with large containers monopolizing the tap.
