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Clean water a pipe’s dream

New water treatment plant cuts 2017 water main flushing time and costs by half.
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According to the city, maintenance on water mains is cheaper and faster, thanks to cleaner water from Nanaimo’s South Fork Water Treatment Plant. CHRIS BUSH/The News Bulletin

Nanaimo’s water treatment plant is keeping pipes clean and costs down.

The city is giving the new South Fork Water Treatment Plant partial credit for cutting water mains flushing time and costs by half.

The city engineering and public works department carried out its annual water mains flushing program in May. Water main flushing is performed to clear water distribution mains of sediment buildup. This year, pipes were found to be substantially cleaner than during previous annual flushes.

The annual budget for water main flushing is $130,000. This year’s cost for flushing was reduced to $65,000.

“Following the first full year of operation of Nanaimo’s new water treatment plant, we’re very pleased with its positive impact on our annual flushing program,” Bill Sims, city water resources manager, said in a press release. “There are less deposited organics built up in our water mains, resulting in a significant reduction in the need for prolonged flushing. Another benefit of having highly filtered water is saving 50 per cent, or $65,000 in the flushing program budget.”

For more information about the water main flushing program, visit the City website at www.nanaimo.ca.

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