Anderson Creek gets new measures after environmental assessment
Published 1:15 pm Thursday, July 30, 2026
The City of Nelson has implemented new monitoring and operating procedures for Anderson Creek after last year’s environmental assessment.
In August 2025, an accidental dewatering event occurred during emergency watering system repairs. This caused the city to temporarily rely on Anderson and Selous Creek for about 10 hours. During this time, water was diverted from Anderson Creek.
The assessment identified two sections of Anderson Creek where water naturally flows underground during low-flow conditions. These conditions can reduce stream flows during periods of low water availability and result in accidental dewatering of fish.
To prevent this from happening, Nelson has implemented measures to better protect aquatic life.
Some implementations include installing a second flow monitoring station near the lower end of Anderson Creek, which will provide real-time data and allow operators to monitor the creek’s conditions accurately. Additionally, the city will be increasing the minimum creek flow during water diversions from 10 litres per second to 30 litres, as well as communicating with the public about water conservation and restrictions when needed.
90 per cent of Nelson’s drinking water comes from Five Mile Creek, with Anderson working as a secondary source.
“Using water wisely helps protect local creeks while ensuring a reliable drinking supply for the community. Every litre residents save helps reduce pressure on the city’s water system and can reduce the need to draw water from secondary sources,” reads a statement from the City of Nelson.
For more information on current water conditions and restrictions, visit nelson.ca/water.