Watson Spring, Charlie Lake, BC

## Overview Watson Spring is a natural freshwater drinking spring located in the Bear Flat area near Charlie Lake, British Columbia, along the scenic Peace River corridor. Situated directly off Highway 29, this roadside spring delivers mineral-rich water through a small pipe mounted on a tripod stand, with a flexible hose connecting the outlet to the underground source. The spring flows freely and is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no cost or harvest limits. Visitors have long valued this spring as a convenient source of fresh, mineral-rich water in the Peace River region. However, the spring's future may be uncertain due to nearby dam construction activity in the area, which could potentially affect or eliminate the water source. Those planning a visit should be aware that conditions may change. ## Directions The spring is located on Highway 29 alongside the Peace River, at GPS coordinates **56.2572, -121.2656**. 1. **From Bear Flat:** Head west on Highway 29 and drive for approximately 3–5 km. Watch the right (river) side of the road for the spring setup — a small pipe on a tripod stand — which should be visible from the highway. 2. **From Attachie:** Head east on Highway 29 and drive for several kilometres. The spring will appear on the left side of the road. The spring is roadside, so no hiking or off-road travel is required. Look for the distinctive tripod-mounted pipe near the shoulder of the highway. ## What to Expect Watson Spring is an easy, drive-up water source with no trail or walk-in required. The water emerges from a small pipe resting on a tripod stand, fed by a flexible hose connected to the natural underground source. Flow speed has been reported as steady and decent — suitable for filling jugs and containers without a long wait. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Peace River valley: rolling terrain, boreal forest, and river views along Highway 29. The setting is rural and quiet, making it a pleasant stop on a longer drive through northeastern British Columbia. **Important notes:** - Ongoing dam construction in the region has been reported as a potential threat to the spring's continued existence. Conditions may change, and the spring could be affected or removed without notice. - As with any natural spring, water quality can vary over time. While this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers, water quality has not been independently verified. Visitors who wish to be cautious may want to treat or filter the water before consumption. - The spring is accessible year-round, though winter conditions on Highway 29 may require appropriate vehicle preparation.