Wednesday, June 7, 2023 – At the June 6th Council Meeting, Director of Infrastructure Trevor Rutley announced a plan to implement a water reclamation system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), which would save upwards of 90% of the current water use. The WWTP is the number one water user in the Town of Gibsons, using approximately 1500 m3 of potable water per month as part of the treatment process and for washing equipment.
The plan that was announced yesterday will recirculate the treated effluent to use at various points at the plant, such as the primary treatment and the centrifuge, which would reduce the use of potable water by around 40 to 100 m³ of water a day–the equivalent of roughly 50 to 130 households. This water could stay in the aquifer or be rerouted elsewhere as needed. Furthermore, the reclamation system would be expandable to meet increased flows of effluent coming into the plant as the town grows.
Council had originally approved $200,000 for the 2023 Sanitary Sewer Capital Plan budget to purchase an emergency spare diesel pump that could be used during a power failure at the WWTP or the Prowse Road lift station. Instead, staff were able to secure a used pump that they will purchase for $45,000, allowing for significant savings. Staff requested that the remaining funds be reallocated to implement the new system, which is estimated to cost $80,000.
“This is an exciting opportunity that has Council’s full support,” says Gibsons Mayor Silas White. “It is a great example of innovation, and I commend our staff for their commitment to water conservation and saving tax dollars.”
“This new system will provide significant operational benefits as we enter what appears to be an extended dry season,” says Director of Infrastructure, Trevor Rutley. “We owe a lot to the dedication and ingenuity of our amazing operations team.”
Since Council has approved the funding, the new system could be operational within six weeks.
