KENILWORTH – In response to questions raised at Wellington North council recently, GRCA deputy CAO Karen Armstrong provided updates on the status of the water gauge along the Conestogo River.
She forwarded information provided by Dwight Boyd, the GRCA’s director of engineering. “The gauge station they are referring to is owned by the Township of Wellington North and is part of the infrastructure associated with the Arthur sewage treatment plant.”
Information gathered as part of a process used by the township in determining water flows in the river which in turn is used to determine whether effluent from the wastewater plant can be discharged.
Armstrong noted that in the past, the GRCA assisted the township with developing an updated rating curve and general maintenance.
She added the current gauge is located upstream of the sewage treatment plant’s discharge location.
Armstrong said in past discussions with the township, the option of relocating the gauge downstream of the current location was discussed. Relocation of the gauge is expected to provide more accurate data.
While she agreed relocation could improve the stability of the rating curve and estimated flows from the gauge, she said it was decided the township would consider relocating the gauge as part of treatment plant upgrades.
Armstrong said the GRCA is willing to work with the township to install data logging equipment that could provide up-to-date information.
Currently the township hosts a GRCA tipping bucket rain gauge and air temperature gauge at one of the township’s pumping stations in Arthur. The intent would be to consolidate the location of the rain gauge with the stream gauge to provide real-time air temperature, rainfall, stream level and estimated stream flow.
Armstrong noted Mark Anderson has worked closely with township staff as part of the wastewater optimization program.
She suggested a follow-up meeting between Anderson and township staff to discuss the stream gauge.
