Houweling Nurseries operates a large‑scale greenhouse facility in South Delta, producing tomatoes, cucumbers, and nursery seedlings. With approximately 300 employees and continuous year‑round production, the operation requires a consistent, high‑quality water supply.

However, the farm’s location presented a challenge:

• No access to freshwater aquifers due to the proximity to the ocean
• Brackish groundwater unsuitable for irrigation
• Reliance on municipal potable water

As Vice President Ruben Houweling notes, rooftop rainwater collection alone cannot meet the facility’s seasonal irrigation requirements. This made the operation particularly vulnerable to drought‑related curtailments and rising water costs.

This is where the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) stepped in. Designed to help address these challenges, the program supports the adoption of efficient irrigation systems, improved water storage, and long‑term water management planning.

Through AWP, Houweling Nurseries constructed a 0.8‑hectare lined dugout designed to capture and store winter and spring precipitation for use during peak summer demand.

Dougout Details

• Total reservoir capacity: ~33,000 m³
• Accessible rainwater storage: ~10,000 m³
• Estimated potable water reduction: >50%
• Annual municipal water savings: ~100,000 m³

The project was completed in late summer 2025, allowing the reservoir to fill naturally during the fall rainy season.

The 2026 growing season will be the first full year of operation, providing valuable data on potable water displacement and system performance under summer conditions.

Large‑scale water projects like these require significant capital investment. Through AWP, Houweling Nurseries received funding totalling more than $400,000 to assist them in completing the project.

The program’s cost‑shared model enables producers to implement infrastructure that delivers long‑term operational and environmental benefits while reducing financial risk.

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program is funded by the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and delivered by IAF. Projects like Houweling Nurseries’ dugout illustrate how strategic investments in water storage can:

• Improve irrigation efficiency
• Reduce pressure on community water systems
• Support climate adaptation
• Enhance long‑term farm viability

AWP is funded by the Government of BC via the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The program is delivered by IAF.