ManitobaVirden’s current aquifer was tapped in 2021, but four years later officials have learned it cannot support the town’s needs. Mayor Tina Williams says the town has enacted emergency response measures as they race to dig a new well. People in Virden told to conserve water as town prepares to dig new aquiferChelsea Kemp · CBC News · Posted: Oct 17, 2025 6:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 7 hours agoThe Town of Virden put in emergency response measures on Oct. 10 after learning its current aquifer has a ‘seriously low’ supply of water. (Chelsea Kemp/CBC)The Town of Virden has enacted emergency response measures as dropping aquifer levels threaten its water supply, sparking a race to dig a new well and secure potable water for residents and businesses.The southwestern Manitoba community, home to more than 3,000 people, said in a public notice Oct. 10 it must move off its current aquifer after discovering low water levels. The current aquifer supplying the town was tapped in 2021 but four years later, officials have learned it cannot support Virden’s needs.Mayor Tina Williams said the issue was discovered after this summer’s drought conditions created a strain on water levels.There are “a lot of moving pieces” in getting water levels under control and the town is in the process of tapping into a new water source, Williams said.The town’s consultants have warned aquifer levels are “seriously low,” recommending Virden move off the source as soon as possible. Mayor Tina Williams says Virden is working to get a new well tapped and running as soon as possible. (Submitted by Town of Virden)The town’s emergency response management has also been activated to protect access to potable water.For now, the town is working with the province’s water services board and office of drinking water, as well as with public health, to secure a new water source. Drilling rigs are expected on site this week, with hopes a new well can be producing water “in the following weeks,” Williams said. A provincial spokesperson said the water services board is working closely with the town and provincial regulators to resolve the issue, assess the wells and ensure residents continue to have safe and reliable water.On the advice of a hydrogeologist, the board and town are working to drill a new well near the town’s older water supply source, the spokesperson said.In the meantime, residents and business owners are asked to do what they can to conserve water as the situation unfolds, Williams said.“We have all the groups that we need around the table to make sure that we get a new source of water flowing to Virden as quickly as we can,” Williams said.Frustration, concern … and trustFor many, the uncertainty has stirred frustration and concern. Others say they trust the town to find a fix.Tamana Kalia, who runs T’s Dining and Lounge, says water is essential to keeping her restaurant open and she’s been following town updates closely. “I know they will fix it,” she said.Tamana Kalia, who runs T’s Dining and Lounge, says she trusts the town will get the water supply secured. (Chelsea Kemp/CBC)Kalia hasn’t noticed changes in water quality or pressure so far but is ready to cut back as needed.“We will try to use less water if there is water levels going down, because that’s the responsibility,” Kalia said.Resident Will Adair says he’s frustrated to see the problem emerge only a few years after a new well was drilled. “It’s ridiculous, considering we just had this redone,” he said. Resident Will Adair says he’s disappointed to see the current aquifer failing after four years. (Chelsea Kemp/CBC)Adair’s not surprised, pointing to the town’s ongoing infrastructure challenges. But his main concern now is cost.“It is really frustrating,” he said. “It’s just something you kind of expect in this town. The essentials don’t really matter.”Faye Horn, who runs Flower Attic and Gifts, worries about how the emergency will affect her shop’s flowers. “We depend on water for our business.… we need good quality, too, to protect the flowers,” she said. She learned about the emergency measures through a friend, adding she’s disappointed there hasn’t been more communication from the town, like physical signs placed in high-traffic areas.Until the new well is ready, Horn is cutting back where possible on water use. She’s also willing to pay a bit more if it means better water in town. “If it’s good water, I’m willing to pay a little more because we don’t have good water right now,” she said.WATCH | Virden enacts emergency response as aquifer levels drop:Virden enacts emergency response as aquifer levels drop Virden’s current aquifer was tapped in 2021, but four years later, officials say it cannot support the town’s needs. Mayor Tina Williams says the town has implemented emergency response measures as they work to dig a new well.ABOUT THE AUTHORChelsea Kemp is a multimedia journalist with CBC Manitoba. She is based in CBC’s bureau in Brandon, covering stories focused on rural Manitoba. Share your story ideas, tips and feedback with chelsea.kemp@cbc.ca.
Southwestern Manitoba town enacts emergency response as water supply runs low
