A waterworks system assessment required by Saskatchewan Water Security Agency has given the Town of Battleford a "very good" rating and a bouquet as well.
The conclusion of the report states, "The general condition of the Battleford Water Treatment Plant is very good. The recent expansion will provide the required treatment capacity for the next 20 years, with the ability to decommission aging treatment equipment. The plant operators' diligent testing should be commended as they continue to ensure production of safe water."
The report that was completed by the engineering firm of Catterall and Wright, must be done every five years as part of the Town's agreement with the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency. The 2015 report was received by town councillors at their regular meeting Dec. 21.
The report states the Town's waterworks system has no issues or risks. Issue and risks are identified as those items that have potential to adversely affect the ability to supply safe drinking water.
A total of three recommendations were made, however, addressing system improvement or optimization.
The first recommendation is that the Town operate all four wells at the same time at reduced flow rates to minimize stress on any particular well and to exercise components.
The second is that hydraulic water modelling be done to identify ways to strengthen the distribution system. The previous water distribution report completed in 2002 is outdated, said the report, and it was recommended the hydraulic water modelling be done as soon as possible. The estimated cost of the modelling is $15,000.
The third recommendation is for in-line fire hydrants in the Westpark subdivision be replaced with off-line fire hydrants with isolation valves. The estimated cost is $75,000. (This recommendation was also made in the 2011 report.)
General information from the report included the statistics on consumption.
Mayor Derek Mahon pointed out how much water residents use on average over the year, which is 340 litres per capita per day.
"Equivalent of 75 gallons for those of you who are back in the imperial system," he said.
"A lot of people wouldn't think they would come anywhere near 75 gallons," he added, but pointed out the provincial average is 350 litres per capita per day.
Mahon said there will be some follow up to the report at future meetings.
