Ground will break at the end of August on a new water well for Montrose, says the village’s chief administrative officer.
Kevin Chartres said on Aug. 27 Robbins Drilling will commence on a month-long project to drill a new well to provide a new, potable source of water for the village.
More than one year ago, the Village of Montrose issued a boil water advisory because test results indicated low levels of total coliforms, a verdict that sentenced residents with water that did not meet the BC Drinking Water Protection Regulation.
Although health officers have urged the village council to order regular water quality tests, the costs have become somewhat of a financial burden and have not been conducted as frequently as was intimated.
In 2011 the Village of Montrose spent roughly $17,000 on water tests to prepare for the new well and a chlorination facility in the area.
But there’s some good news.
According to Chartres, the design phase of the chlorination and pump-house facility project is nearing completion. He expected the design portion of the project to be completed in September and construction to commence in October.
“I’d like to see this project wrapped up before winter arrives,” he said.
Commissioning of the facility is slated for the end of April 2013.
Previously, a $1.3-million Gas Tax Fund grant was bestowed on Montrose for water quality upgrades that included the creation of a chlorination facility and replacement of the failing well. The grant was earmarked for construction of the new well and a pump house.
Features of the new well and chlorination facility include a flow meter and state of the art communications.
The new facility means a $1.3 million reduction in infrastructure costs that would have otherwise been borne by Montrose village taxpayers, cleaner water that eliminates health risks and the boil water advisory, and a sustainable water supply.
In addition, an on-site generator will provide back-up power to the wells during power outages.
On July 3, village council approved Redwood Engineering’s initial fee estimate of $25,000 for the structural design and drafting for the pump house and contact chamber.
Redwood will complete structural schedules in compliance with the BC Building Code.
At that time, TRUE Consulting recommended partnering with the local engineer group to work on the structural component of this project because of the firm’s experience.
A “Water Condition Normal Notice” will be issued when the drinking water official is satisfied the drinking water quality meets the standard for total coliforms.
For more information, please contact the Village Office at (250) 367-7234 or the drinking water officer at 1-888-426-7566.