Frank Smedley is hoping future funding from the Ontario Small Waterworks Assistance Program (OSWAP) will help fix system leaks that are causing town water losses of 20 to 35%.
Smedley, Erin’s Water Superintendent, told council last week he wants the municipality to fund a leak detection study this year and then apply in early 2012 for OSWAP funding to “replace our worst sections of old cast and ductile water main.”
Councillor John Brennan asked what effect the leakage would have on the ground below the pipes.
“That’s a great amount of water,” Brennan said of the 20 to 35% loss recorded in 2010.
Smedley agreed, although he said there likely isn’t a huge impact, because the leakage is spread out over a number of smaller holes. But the problem is getting worse, he explained, noting last year’s loss is basically double the level observed in 2008, which was 11 to 17%.
The leak detection study should help identify problem areas, Smedley added, and help save some money.
“We’re paying the hydro, et cetera,” he said, alluding to town costs associated with pumping and treating the water. While leakage will be the focus of the town’s 2012 OSWAP grant application, this year the town will apply for funding to address several other issues.
Smedley explained there is $50-million in phase-three OSWAP funding available over the next four years for municipal water or wastewater systems serving up to 5,000 residents. The municipalities must cover one third of the total project costs.
This year, applications are due by Feb. 15, and Smedley will be submitting an application for about $200,000, including:
– replacing the dead-end section of water main on Orangeville Street, including a new valve, services, hydrant and one inch “blow off” for flushing;
– replacing the Glendevon high lift pump with a more energy efficient pump;
– repairing the ends of the Dundas Street river crossing and installing a valve at the east side of the river;
– replacing a leaky valve on Daniel and Spring Streets; and
– (if enough money left over) replacing a 100 metre long section of four-inch water main along Charles Street, which has been repaired several times in recent years.
Smedley told council Triton Engineering is preparing a more accurate estimate for all the work, which he will use in his grant application.
“If we are successful, we will decide where to come up with our third of the cost during the 2011 budget process,” he said. “We do have approximately $540,000 in life cycle and general reserves.”
Council unanimously approved a resolution directing Smedley to submit the OSWAP funding application.
