New water treatment plant saves Nanaimo in other areas

The City of Nanaimo is reducing costs thanks to its new water treatment facility. The City’s Engineering and Public Works Department completed its annual water main flushing program in May and it came in significantly under budget.

Water main flushing keeps the water distribution mains clear of sediment buildup, and this year, cul-de-sacs and dead-end mains were the focus of flushing efforts, and these pipes were found to be substantially cleaner than during previous annual flushes.

According to the City, with a cleaner distribution system, the flushing was able to be completed in half of the time of previous years, and at half of the budget.

“Following the first full year of operation of Nanaimo’s new water treatment plant, we’re very pleased with its positive impact on our annual flushing program,” said Bill Sims, manager of water resources for the City of Nanaimo. “There are less deposited organics built up in our water mains, resulting in a significant reduction in the need for prolonged flushing. Another benefit of having highly filtered water is saving 50%, or $65,000 in the flushing program budget. ”

The yearly budget for water main flushing is $130,000. This year the cost of flushing was reduced to $65,000.