(File Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Alberta funding improvements, expansion for Lethbridge Water Treatment Plant

Oct 23, 2024 | 2:21 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Water Treatment Plant is getting capacity upgrades due to funding from the provincial government.

The plant can currently treat up to 150 million litres per day (MLD), and the City says that on peak days, water treatment demands exceed 90 per cent of the current design capacity.

The province is funding the $2.8 million project from the Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) program that will see the maximum capacity increased up to 180 MLD. The design project will also provide preliminary engineering services for a future increase to 250 MLD.

The City says that this simultaneous approach will help to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted operation of the plant during future construction and is expected to result in fewer delays and cost overruns.

Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs said, “As Alberta’s population increases, including communities like Lethbridge, it is important that public infrastructure meets the demands of a growing population. The Alberta Community Partnership is helping to meet this need, and I’m pleased that Lethbridge will be able to increase capacity at their water treatment plant as a result.”

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The planned upgrades will enhance treatment reliability and ensure Lethbridge residents continue to receive high-quality water. It will also help to meet the demands of the agri-food sector.

The increased capacity will prove valuable for more communities than just Lethbridge, as municipalities like Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte and Lethbridge County all feed off the same source.

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities and MLA for Lethbridge-East says, “This funding will help ensure our community has the water it needs, supporting residents and our local economy without the need for additional costs to ratepayers.”

The comprehensive design phase is expected to be complete in 2025.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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