At this time, we do not have information regarding the extent and capacity of private drainage infrastructure in Richmond. The City serves the irrigation needs of the agricultural community through much of the same infrastructure it uses for drainage. Seven of the pumpstations used for drainage discharge along the North Arm and South Arm of the Fraser have irrigation valves. In addition, there are three irrigation intake structure along the North Arm which capture water from the Fraser at high tides. The water captured by these devices is distributed to the fields through drainage canals and ditches.
Irrigation is on the rise in Richmond's census farmlands.
Due to its climate and topography, Richmond is by nature a very wet place. The map at left shows the drainage and irrigation infrastructure serving Lulu Island. Private drainage systems, such as tile drains and private ditches, are not depicted. There are 28 pumpstations ringing Lulu Island. These stations use high-power pumps to rid the island of excess water.