This project is to design and install a Potable Water Treatment Facility to address issues of iron and manganese in the source water and establish residual chlorination in the Gantahaz subdivision water distribution system. The project is scheduled to start Summer 2024 and be completed by Spring 2025.

Design work on the building expansion and external installations was completed in the spring and summer of 2024, with construction occurring in the Summer and Fall of 2024. The treatment process and internal components were designed during this initial construction period.

In the spring of 2025, following approval of the Northern Health Permitting, internal treatment components were installed in the building. The project is now waiting for the delivery of specific final components (filter heads) for completion of the treatment train. Delivery is anticipated at the end of June 2025. Two weeks will then be needed to finalize the facility and begin the commissioning process.The District has been informed and will assume operation of the plant at the end of July.

The primary purpose of the treatment plant is to remove problem elements from the source water, primarily Manganese and Iron. The Manganese and Iron in the source water have been identified as the primary cause of the water discoloration and sedimentation occurring in the community. When online, the plant should significantly contribute to better water quality in the community.

When online, the facility will add a small amount of chlorine to the drinking water to prevent the growth of pathogens or bacteria during distribution to the community.

The amount of chlorine added to the water must be calibrated to the natural background consumption that will occur in the water mains. Chlorine is naturally consumed by various compounds and elements in the water. When the treatment plant is brought online, it will be the first time the distribution mains are subjected to chlorine. As such, initial high rates of background consumption can be anticipated, and the system will need to stabilize.

Adjustments to the chlorine introduction rate may be necessary to achieve and maintain the required background chlorine levels in the water. In the first weeks of operation, residents may note that chlorine taste and odour vary slightly while the system stabilizes.

At no time in this process will the rate of chlorine introduction at the facility exceed the allowable, safe levels for potable drinking water. Residents may perceive a slight background chlorine smell or taste in the water immediately after it is fresh from the system. The water should not have a persistent heavy chlorine smell or taste.

The water will be safe to drink; however, if residents find the chlorine objectionable, placing an open container of the water in the fridge will allow the background chlorine to dissipate in a few hours. Simple charcoal filtration units, like a Brita brand pitcher filter, will also remove background chlorine.

The District will perform daily background chlorine residual testing for the first month of the Treatment Plants' operation to confirm that the chlorine levels are neither too high nor too low.

The background chlorine levels will not affect your septic system or the functionality of your onsite septic disposal fields. The background chlorine level is quickly consumed in the grey water of your septic plumbing. The background levels are also safe for your home plumbing systems and common home appliances.

Water used for aquariums or other pet-sensitive applications should be dechlorinated through the addition of dechlorination chemicals or by leaving the water open to the air overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate naturally.

The District has arranged for a contractor to undertake the cleaning of the Gantahaz reservoir on June 23, 2025. Cleaning of the reservoir is being undertaken before the treatment plant is commissioned to reduce sedimentation and organic growth levels in the reservoir, which may otherwise contribute to background consumption of residual chlorine once the plant is operational.

Residents should not be affected by the reservoir cleaning. However, it is possible that some sedimentation may be stirred up and may enter the water mains. If water quality concerns are noticed, residents are advised to open available faucets in their homes and run the water until the quality improves. If the condition persists beyond a reasonable time, residents may inform the District.

Following reservoir cleaning, District staff will perform hydrant flushing of the water mains in the community. Hydrant flushing is a regular task that occurs yearly in the spring. This year, hydrant flushing has been delayed to allow the reservoir to be cleaned first.

As with reservoir cleaning, the hydrant flushing will clean the system downstream of the treatment facility and reduce the impact of background chlorine consumption in the water mains.

Water quality issues can occur during hydrant flushing. Residents are advised to avoid or reduce water usage when flushing is occurring to prevent sediment from entering their home plumbing. If water quality concerns are noticed in the home, residents should wait until flushing is completed and then run the water in the home until the quality improves. If the condition persists beyond a reasonable time, residents may inform the District.

Inline, plumbed water filters and/or water softener appliances should also be cleaned if sedimentation enters your home plumbing.