Rural Pipeline Program
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Rural Pipeline Program |
 Trencher installs pipeline |
| Rural Pipeline Program Brochure (781 KB) |
The Rural Water Pipeline Program is a co-operative venture between The Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA).
Adequate supplies of quality water to meet farming needs are not always available on the farmstead. As a result, MWSB and PFRA provide assistance to local government or legally incorporated groups (who have obtained permission from the local government), to install pipelines for transporting water from a known supply into water-short areas. A Rural Water Pipeline project may service a group of farmers, rural residents or community needs.
The Manitoba Water Services Board and PFRA provide:
- Cost estimates
- Engineering design
- Project management
- Construction supervision
- Technical support for testing and system start-up
Financial Assistance
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration
A rebate is paid based on the approved eligible cost of the main pipeline materials and installation. Service connections, rights-of-way, easement and engineering costs are not eligible.
The Manitoba Water Services Board
A rebate is paid on the total project cost after the PFRA contribution has been deducted. Service connections, rights-of-way, easement and engineering costs are eligible.
Applications
The Manitoba Water Services Board and PFRA can assist municipal governments (see resolution #1) or legally incorporated non-profit organizations who have received authorization (see resolution #2) from the municipal government.
Sample Resolutions:
Resolution #1
Be it resolved the Rural Municipality of ________________________ requests technical and financial assistance from both MWSB and PFRA for development of a pipeline to supply water to the __________________ area.
Resolution #2
Be it resolved the Rural Municipality of _________________________ authorizes a group of ratepayers known as ________________________ to apply to MWSB and PFRA for technical and financial assistance for the development of a pipeline to supply water to the ____________________ area.
How to Apply
A letter outlining details of the proposal should be attached to the appropriate resolution (requesting financial and technical assistance) and forwarded to both PFRA and The Manitoba Water Services Board at the following addresses:
| PFRA Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 200-303 Main Street Winnipeg, MB R3C 3G7 Phone: (204) 983-2243 Fax: (204) 983-2178 |
The Manitoba Water Services Board P.O. Box 22080 2022 Currie Boulevard Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6Y9 Phone: (204) 726-6076 Fax: (204) 726-6290 E-mail: mwsb@gov.mb.ca |
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Frequently Asked Questions
| Pipeline FAQ Brochure (50 KB) |
Each year, The Manitoba Water Services Board and PFRA assist farmers & rural residents to install pipelines throughout Rural Manitoba under the "Rural Water Pipeline" Program. It is estimated that nearly 400 km of pipelines are installed yearly. The following are a number of the most commonly asked questions and answers about rural water pipelines.
- How do I start the process to get a new Rural Water Pipeline in my area?
Approach your local municipal council. Preference is for the Municipality to lead the process. The Municipality must send a resolution requesting technical & financial assistance from MWSB and PFRA. - What are the steps to a Rural Water Pipeline project?
The typical process toward installation of a Rural Water Pipeline
- Municipality sends resolution to MWSB and PFRA.
- Public survey completed to determine water demand and interest.
- Preliminary water source investigation carried out.
- Conceptual design and estimate complete.
- Meeting with Municipality and public to discuss project costs.
- Municipality collects deposits to confirm commitment to project.
- Final design and cost estimate prepared.
- Confirm MWSB and PFRA funding.
- Project tendered and constructed.
- Ownership, operation and maintenance is the Municipality’s responsibility after the warranty period.
- How are costs of construction shared on a new Rural Water Pipeline?
Presently most Rural Water Pipelines are cost shared on a 1/3 basis with MWSB, PFRA and Municipality (residents serviced).
The project approval is dependent on availability of funding, obtaining all Environmental reviews and is subject to change. - Who can apply to connect to a pipeline?
Rural residents must apply to their Municipal Council to connect/develop to rural water pipelines. The Municipalities, in turn, by resolution, apply to both MWSB and PFRA. - How long does it take to get a Rural Water Pipeline in operation?
Many factors affect the project development, such as water source development and licensing, environmental assessment, public consultation reviews and the availability of funds. Typically, this could take two to five years to develop. - What will the service connection fee be?
The service connection fee will vary according to availability of funding and project cost. The average connection fee ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. More connections reduce the connection fee. - What are my options of paying for the connection fee?
Payment of the connection fee is usually made by one of the following:- Cash
- Municipal taxes
- Combination of a. and b.
- Can I connect to a pipeline after it is operational?
Connections can be done after initial construction, with prior approval from the Municipality. The cost will be greater than the original connection fee charged during the initial construction. - What will the water cost?
Water rates will vary, depending on the type of treatment and disinfection provided. - What quality of water should I expect?
The quality of water from a Rural Water Pipeline will meet the Canadian Drinking Water Quality guidelines for human consumption. All rural water pipelines are licensed and monitored in accordance with The Public Health Act regulations. - What pressure should be supplied?
The rural water pipeline is designed to provide pressure within the range of 35 – 75 psi. Water system demand at various times will affect the actual pressure supplied. - What volume of water should I expect?
The volume of water supplied will depend on the size of service line installed. An example of a typical residential connection is 4 gallons per minute and a livestock connection up to 10 gallons per minute. Additional service connection surcharge is applied for higher volume connections. - I have two farms. Can I have more than one connection to the Rural Water Pipeline?
More than one connection can be provided to a resident with prior approval from the Municipality. Each separate and metered connection will be at full cost. - Can I connect into my existing service line to avoid tearing up my yard?
It is highly recommended to allow the installation of a new line and meter package into the house. The responsibility to fix leaks and breaks stay with the (MWSB) contractor during the warranty period. The option of directional boring the line into the house is available at an extra cost. If the owner insists on connecting to the existing service line, a release form is signed. The owner then takes responsibility to fix leaks, breaks and pays for lost water. - Can I supply livestock from the pipeline?
Yes, livestock can be provided water from a Rural Water Pipeline. - Do I need to install a reservoir (cistern)?
A reservoir (cistern) is highly recommended when the peak demand of a livestock operation will be greater than the capacity of the service connection. A reservoir will reduce excess demand on the pipeline and ensure constant supply to all users. - Can I continue to use my existing water system? Can I use both my own water system and the pipeline to supply my operation?
The Municipality will decide on protection against back-flow and take responsibility to monitor for cross-connection and the maintenance of approved back-flow prevention devices. A private water system may be used at the same time as a Rural Water Pipeline provided there is no cross-connection. Under no circumstances will direct connection between a public water supply and a private water supply be allowed without an approved back-flow prevention device.
For further information contact:
The Manitoba Water Services Board
P.O. Box 22080
2022 Currie Boulevard
Brandon, Manitoba
R7A 6Y9
Phone: (204) 726-6076
Fax: (204) 726-6290
E-mail: mwsb@gov.mb.ca
