It’s a water world for the County of Forty Mile

By Stan Ashbee
Alberta Newspaper Group
Folks at the County of Forty Mile have been busy with the construction of the Regional Water Treatment Plant and Regional Pipeline.
“A little more than a year ago we tied Etzikom into the regional supply. This month we’re completing the tie-in to the Hamlet of Manyberries,” noted Stewart Payne, County of Forty Mile utilities manager.
According to Payne, contractors have been on-site to complete the construction of the pipeline.
“The pressure testing is done and the inspection is done. Now, we need another contractor. There’s multiple contracts involved in this large project,” Payne said.
Now, Payne added, another contractor will show up and commission some high-pressure pumps to get the supply to Manyberries. “That’s going to occur tomorrow (July 9). “
Once the high-pressure pumps are commissioned, operational, and working with comfort, then next week (as of July 8) the county will test the connection to the Hamlet of Manyberries, Payne explained.
“After we’re satisfied the connection to the hamlet is good, operational, and working without issue, we will flush the hamlet’s distribution system and officially tie the hamlet into the regional supply,” said Payne.
Payne said the next step is to expand connection to the hamlets of Orion and Nemiscam. “We’re hoping to have that completed this year — working with engineers, as we go.”
Then it’s continuing on with the next step, which is to organize a community meeting, Payne said. “Where a potential tie-in for rural users would be discussed.”
Payne pointed out the original study, in regards to the project, was completed in 2012.
“It’s been on my books for quite a long time. The Regional Water Treatment Plant in Foremost was finished a little more than two years ago,” said Payne.
This project, Payne noted, was forced upon the county by regulation. “So water quality supply and municipal requirements to supply certain potable water at certain standards.”
Payne added the regional concept was established because of cost-savings for all of the municipalities located within the county.
“The partnership with the Village of Foremost and the County of Forty Mile and all of the hamlets,” Payne said. “Basically, we had to increase our treatment to satisfy the potable water guidelines.”
Payne also wanted to thank the communities for their patience and understanding of the need for this project. “And the co-operation we’ve had to date. It’s been really good.”

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