Water projects at Rossdale
Locating underground utilities for flood protection project
In order to protect the Rossdale Water Treatment Plant in a situation where the North Saskatchewan River overtops its banks, EPCOR is working with the community to plan and design flood barriers.
In mid-February, EPCOR began excavating certain locations where flood barriers will be constructed to confirm the types of utility infrastructure that exists underground in the area. Excavation work outside the plant fenceline is expected to begin on March 21.
It is important for EPCOR to understand what utilities are underneath the planned flood barrier locations at Rossdale so that we can properly plan for future construction of the barriers. Construction on the flood barriers is not anticipated to begin before 2024 as EPCOR is currently in the initial planning and design work of the project.
Lead management strategy
In 2019, Health Canada recognized the serious health impacts of lead by lowering the maximum allowable concentration in drinking water. While there is no lead in drinking water when it leaves our treatment plants, lead can still leach from home fixtures and other plumbing surfaces.
EPCOR has developed a multi-pronged lead management strategy that includes controlling corrosion in water services, plumbing and fixtures. As part of this strategy, we are constructing special facilities where we will add orthophosphate to the treated water at both the E.L. Smith and Rossdale water treatment plants. While this work is happening entirely within our sites, residents may notice noise, traffic and other impacts typical to construction.
The new facilities are expected to be in service by early 2023.
