Some might find the subject a bit dry, but we’re excited to be embarking on a multi-year project to upgrade the community’s water system.
In order to meet modern regulatory requirements - and in doing so prevent future water quality advisories - we will be upgrading our water system in a number of ways;
- Water conditioning.
- Direct sand filtration.
- UV disinfection.
The pilot plant commissioned in 2022 proved the design concept and provided valuable data on how our water responds with treatment products. Public Works continues to operate the pilot plant to gain experience needed for operators to obtain higher certification.
The detailed design for this plant was recently completed. Construction of the new treatment system will commence this year.
News
Updates to Kitimat's Water Treatment Upgrade Project
Timeline of milestones
Timeline
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Timeline item 1 - complete
Pilot plant study
Completed December 2022
Study conducted to prove design concept. Public Works continues to operate the pilot plant for our operators to gain experience required to obtain a higher level of certification
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Timeline item 2 - complete
Preliminary Design
Completed March 2023
Development of the terms of reference for process equipment, site selection, and preliminary building layout.
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Timeline item 3 - complete
Detailed Design
Completed December 2024
Preparation of design drawings and specifications to tender the construction and commissioning scope of work.
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Timeline item 4 - complete
Funding
This project is being funded through District budget allocation, temporary borrowing through the Municipal Finance Authority, Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance funding, and Canada-British Columbia Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Green Infrastructure Grant.
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Timeline item 5 - complete
Construction permit received from Northern Health
Completed January 29, 2025
A required construction permit from Northern Health for the construction of the water treatment plant was received here.
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Timeline item 6 - active
Construction of water treatment plant
Through 2025 and parts of 2026
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Timeline item 7 - incomplete
Commissioning of Water Treatment Plant
In 2026
Once completed, the new water plant will provide clean water to the community, and nearly all water advisories should be eliminated from this point onwards.
