The Town of Esterhazy is preparing to bring its new Regional Water Treatment Plant online, marking the completion of a more than $29.9 million infrastructure project designed to provide improved potable water to residents and businesses.
The project, which was celebrated at the start of construction on June 14, 2022, was funded in part through contributions from the federal and provincial governments. Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Government of Canada contributed up to $11,970,000 toward the project, while the Government of Saskatchewan contributed up to $9,974,003. The Town of Esterhazy was responsible for funding the remainder.
The completed system will provide improved drinking water to Esterhazy residents and businesses. The new WTP has the capacity to treat and supply water to future potential regional customers such as Mosaic Potash, and nearby villages should they choose that option.
The new treatment process consists of biological pre-treatment followed by membrane treatment (reverse osmosis) and is expected to produce a finished water of higher quality.
Biological treatment does not require the addition of any chemicals and produces significantly less wastewater compared to conventional treatment (greensand filtration).
The Town has advised residents that they may choose to remove point-of-use equipment such as water softeners or residential reverse-osmosis systems. Residents are encouraged to initially place such systems in bypass mode and conduct a trial period with the new water before deciding whether to remove or retain the equipment. The improved water quality is expected to reduce hardness from approximately 25 grains to less than one (1) grain. Typical water softening systems produce water with hardness between one (1) and three (3) grains.
The new plant also includes a standby generator to provide automatic backup power during power disruptions. The plant’s control system will provide important information required to troubleshoot issues within the system.
The chlorine required for disinfection is anticipated to be reduced by 1/10th of that required by Esterhazy’s current water plant
Mayor’s Message
In a message to residents, Esterhazy Mayor Randy Bot thanked the community for its patience and support throughout the lengthy project.
“This project has been years in the making,” Bot stated. “Like any major infrastructure project, there were challenges along the way, and at times it probably felt like it was taking longer than anyone would have liked.”
Bot recognized previous mayors, councils, administrations, engineers and community leaders who helped lay the groundwork for the project.
“Their dedication and long-term vision helped ensure that when this Council took the reins, we were able to continue moving the project ahead with a smooth transition,” he stated.
He also recognized the Town’s administration team for managing the invoices, grants, contracts, reporting requirements, payments, meetings, regulatory approvals and other details associated with a project of this size.
Bot thanked the Public Works and Recreation Departments, along with Council, contractors, consultants and project partners.
“This truly was a team effort,” he stated.
Bot described the new facility as more than a water treatment plant, calling it an investment in Esterhazy’s future and an infrastructure project intended to support families, businesses and community growth.
“Clean, reliable, high-quality water is something every community deserves, and knowing that we’re about to deliver that to our residents is something Council and I are incredibly proud of,” Bot stated.
FAQ Information for Residents
Distribution from the new Water Treatment Plant is scheduled to begin the week of October 5th.
The Town has advised residents that water pressure should not change significantly. Any minor changes may be associated with the new location of the water treatment plant, with most users expected to notice little difference or potentially experience more favourable pressure.
Residents may initially notice a chlorine smell. The Town stated that higher levels of chlorine disinfection will be used temporarily to ensure safe and reliable drinking water throughout the community. The chlorine levels will remain below recommended maximums and are safe for consumption, with levels expected to decrease as the new plant continues operating.
Residents may also notice changes in taste and odour as the water chemistry adjusts.
The new water is expected to have significantly reduced levels of minerals including iron, manganese, hardness, total dissolved solids and ammonia. Soaps and laundry detergents may become more effective, while household plumbing appliances such as faucets, toilets and dishwashers may have increased longevity.
Initially, some sloughing of iron and manganese from watermains and household plumbing may result in coarse, pepper-like flakes appearing in the water. Residents may need to clean the screens, or aerators, on their faucets.
Town staff will also be flushing water through fire hydrants as the new plant comes online. This process will methodically flush the distribution mains throughout the community to assist with system turnover and reduce concerns related to discoloration and odour.
Residents are asked to be patient while the system adjusts.
During the first 24 hours, residents are advised to flush their in-home plumbing by filling a bathtub with cold water multiple times, or until any discoloration or odour has been reduced. Residents are also asked to limit the use of hot water heaters and laundry during the first 24 hours to avoid potential discoloration.
The Town has asked residents to refrain from contacting the Town regarding the initial changes for the first 72 hours. If concerns persist beyond that period, residents can contact the Town by email at water@esterhazysk.ca.
The Town has encouraged residents to follow its social media channels or website for additional information as the new Regional Water Treatment Plant comes online.