Bruce Mines new water filtration system is expected to be up and running in the fall of 2003.
Earth Tech Canada Inc. will design and supervise the construction of a filtration system for the Bruce Mines water treatment plant.
For the remainder of 2002 Earth Tech will ensure the system works as designed until its opening in the fall of 2003.
About 300 households in Bruce Mines have been told they will remain under the boil-water advisory.
The Bruce Mines filtration plant is a membrane filtration system that removes almost everything down to 0.1 micron.
The new system consists of two configurations using opposite principles, pressure and vacuum.
The new system requires a storage unit for three reasons: with a membrane treatment system, chlorine contact time is longer under the new drinking water regulations; storage provides reserves to meet daily peak demand times; and storage will provide ample water for fires because hydrants draw from the treated water.
The town has received 83 per cent of funding for these items, although they are still trying to acquire funds for an intake pipe replacement system, which will cost approximately $100,000, and for distribution cleaning, adding another $50,000 to the total bill.
The distribution system needs to be cleaned because turbidity over its 25- to 30-year lifespan has undoubtedly left sediment, says a spokesperson for Bruce Mines.
Although 17 per cent of the funding still has to be raised, a 2003 start date is expected.
