Local and regional representatives gathered at the site of the Cumberland water treatment plant in an official groundbreaking ceremony this week.
Work has begun at the site of new water treatment plant, which will include dual barrier disinfection of ultraviolet (UV) and on-site chlorine generation, and a treated water storage reservoir to meet the BC Drinking Water Guidelines.
RELATED: Cumberland proceeds with upgrades to drinking water infrastructure
These improvements stem from a 2016 Council decision to implement Cumberland’s Long Term Water Supply Strategy and upgrade the Village’s water treatment, storage and distribution infrastructure.
“Council carefully considered the long-term options for providing quality water to Cumberland residents and decided to retain and improve our own water system,” said Mayor Leslie Baird.
In March 2017, the Village received $4.9 million in funding from the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, which will cover 83 per cent of costs of these improvements.
“It’s great to see the start of construction on this important water project for the Village of Cumberland,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “This project will ensure quality drinking water for current residents while supporting future growth and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the community for years to come.”
Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Scott Fraser was on hand to celebrate the ground-breaking with members of Cumberland Council.
“People deserve to be able to rely on their community’s infrastructure to provide them with efficient, clean and healthy water,” said Fraser. “Thanks to this partnership between all levels of government, people in Cumberland know their water source will be there for them for years to come.”
The first phase of improvement was completed last year with the construction of a twinned water main supply line. This twinned line and the treated water storage reservoir will improve the resiliency and security of Cumberland’s water system, as well as improve water flows for fire protection and reduce water treatment equipment costs.
The new treatment plant is scheduled to be operational next March.
Cumberland’s drinking water comes from five lakes in the Cumberland Creek and Perseverance Creek sub-watersheds as well as a ground source at Coal Creek Historic Park.