Strathmore, AB

We constructed a new biological nutrient removal (BNR) wastewater treatment facility in Strathmore and have a 20-year guaranteed-performance operating contract for the town's water distribution, sanitary and storm wastewater collection systems.

Strathmore currently receives its drinking water from Calgary via the East Calgary Regional Water Line, installed in 2010.

Services

Water distribution.
Wastewater treatment.
Sanitary wastewater/storm water collection.

Model

Operations & Maintenance.
20-year term.

Population served

13,327 (2015 Municipal Census)

Water System Wastewater System

About the System Infrastructure

Water System

Water distribution

Three potable water reservoir/booster stations (Brentwood, Westmount and Wildflower).
79 km of water pipe.
1,018 water main valves.
307 hydrants.

Wastewater System

Wastewater treatment plant

We built a state-of-the-art tertiary level plant for the Town of Strathmore in 2010 that uses BNR.
A portion of the treated wastewater effluent is diverted to irrigate farm land.
Biosolids are dewatered through a centrifuge and transported to a regional composting facility for conversion to a usable compost product.

Wastewater collection

Six wastewater lift stations.
106 km of sanitary sewer mains (pipe).
846 manholes.
Treated wastewater effluent line to Bow River completed in 2011 (approximately 22 km in length).

Storm water

46 km of storm water mains.
Three lift stations and 51 storm outfalls that discharge to a series of six storm water retention ponds.
The storm water then flows via a watercourse to Eagle Lake, located approximately four km southeast of Strathmore.

Environmental considerations

Water system affected

Strathmore is located in the Bow River Basin watershed, which is fed by several tributaries including the Pipestone, Spray, Cascade, Kananaskis, Ghost, Sheep, Elbow and Highwood rivers which flow into the Bow River. The Bow River passes through 136 km of forest, foothills, muskeg, prairies and several municipalities before it enters an irrigation canal to Strathmore.

Human sources of contaminants are primarily agricultural run-off and wastewater from upstream communities. Natural sources of contaminants include wildlife and vegetation.

The Bow River Basin Council (BRBC) is a "multi-stakeholder, charitable organization dedicated to conducting activities for the improvement and protection of the waters of the Bow River Basin." Visit the BRBC's website to learn more about the Bow River watershed and the Council.