Investments enhance water security: East Hants Warden

The Municipality of East Hants is preparing to install two water transmission mains to service Enfield, Elmsdale and Lantz, which the warden says will enhance the sustainability and growth of the municipality.

“In particular, they lead to greater water security through operational improvement and enhancement in fire protection capabilities,” Warden Jim Smith said in a press release.

The need for the upgrades was determined in a study completed in 1999, which projected a need for transmission main expansion once the systems average daily flow rate surpassed a specific targeted amount – that happened in 2014.

“It was verified both in 2014 and 2015 that the average daily flow had surpassed the targeted daily flow rate for system expansion,” Jesse Hulsman, director of infrastructure and operations with the municipality said in a press release. “Once the need was confirmed staff started to seek out funding options to support the required infrastructure needs and ensure water security for existing customers.”

Water supply at the Enfield Water Treatment Plant is currently limited to one access route, but with the installation of the two water mains, a secondary route will be put in place.

The projects are being funded through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund announced in August 2016. The province and federal government are sharing the cost.