Big Talk Around Community Water Cooler

There was standing room only tonight for an open house meeting to talk about the Pugwash water system. People were leaning into the meeting room from the outer hallway at the Catholic church hall.

People were anxious to get the latest details on when and how they can hook to the new water supply.

County engineer Justin Waugh-Cress told the crowd the system is nearly ready and customers need to begin planning to hook into the water supply. 

A number of local contractors are ready to provide the trenching and plumbing services needed to connect from the roadside laterals to individual homes and businesses.

The system suffered one scheduling setback from a completely unexpected event south of the border. The hurricane in Texas delayed delivery of some equipment that is critical in water treatment. The delay slowed work during the last three weeks, altering the planned November launch.

While people can hook to the system this fall, officials now agree that most customers will not come on line till spring.

One man asked if customers should have the water tested after hooking into the village system. A consultant on the project, replied, “You don’t have to test the water at all.” Ron Patterson added, “The system is guaranteeing top quality water 24/7.”

The treatment plant is fully automated, providing constant monitoring, and tests throughout the system will take place about 12 times each month.

There was a positive air about the meeting and people seemed genuinely interested in joining the secure water supply.

The Nova Scotia Utilities and Review Board (UARB) will hold a public hearing in Pugwash on November 3rd to discuss the rate structures and management of the new water utility.