CUMBERLAND, B.C. – Work is underway to build a new water treatment plant in the village of Cumberland.
The plant will include dual barrier disinfection of ultraviolet (UV) and on-site chlorine generation, as well as a treated water storage reservoir to meet the BC Drinking Water Guidelines.
The upgrades come from a 2016 council decision to implement the village’s Long Term Water Supply Strategy and upgrade Cumberland’s water infrastructure.
“Council carefully considered the long-term options for providing quality water to Cumberland residents and decided to retain and improve our own water system,” said mayor Leslie Baird, in a village-issued release.
In March 2017, the village received $4.9 million in funding from the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. That covers 83% of the water plant project.
“Our government is committed to investing in infrastructure that helps build healthier and more sustainable communities. This project will ensure quality drinking water for current residents while supporting future growth and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the community for years to come,” stated federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi.
“People deserve to be able to rely on their community’s infrastructure to provide them with efficient, clean and healthy water. Thanks to this partnership between all levels of government, people in Cumberland know their water source will be there for them for years to come,” said Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Scott Fraser, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Crews completed the first phase of water improvements last year with the construction of a twinned water main supply line.
The village said that the twinned line and treated water storage reservoir will improve the security of Cumberland’s water system. Water flows for fire protection will also be improved. Water treatment equipment costs will be reduced, as well.
Cumberland’s drinking water comes from five lakes in the Cumberland Creek and Perseverance Creek sub-watersheds as well as a ground source at Coal Creek Historic Park.
-With files from Jessica Hextall, Village of Cumberland
