Municipality wants to move on Wellington’s water woes

The muncipality wants to get Wellington’s water system flowing sooner than later.

In response to recent concerns about low water pressure and the ability to handle future development, the report of the Engineering Development and Works Commission recommends growth related capital works be brought to the 2019 capital budget for further discussion

The 1960s water system in Wellington has been modified over the years and in 1995, a new water treatment plant with a lake-based intake replaced the previous well-based supply.

The report notes low system operating pressure continues in some locations, but remains above the legislated minimum pressure.

An increase could be achieved through infrastructure improments such as a higher water tower, changes to the distribution system, higher pressure pumps or a combination of the above. The changes are contemplated in the Water/Wastewater 20-year capital plan.

However, there are challenges in meeting timing requirements for new subdivision development by 2020. The report notes it allows for the completion of the required Environmental Assessment; but does not consider the effect of any bump-up requests that may be filed with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

It is also contingent on council advancing planned capital infrastruture expansion plans in Wellington and approving expenditures for design and capital construction in 2019 and 2020.

The Water/Wastewater Ad Hoc committee deferred many of the growth-related capital works to later in the 20 years, based on a five-year rolling average of historical building permit activity.

County staff recommend the required growth related capital works be brought to the 2019 capital budget for further discussion. In the current 20-year plan, the cost for water system improvements are estimated at $10-15 million. The costs are to be refined in the Wellington Servicing Study Environmental Assessment under way, and expected to be completed mid-2019.