Bugs, Air and Water System Delays Explained
The engineer in charge of the new water system in Pugwash now sees light at the end of the tunnel. Justin Waugh-Cress says the last two major concerns in the system are being addressed this week.
New release valves are being installed to reduce air in the system. Waugh-Cress says we need air in the system to feed the biological filtering component, affectionately called "the bugs". Cumberland has adopted a state-of-the-art system with live, friendly bacteria eating the iron and magnesium found in the local water.
It is a first for Nova Scotia, though New Brunswick operates three systems using the biological approach.
Waugh-Cress says the living micro-organisms need oxygen and contractors have been struggling to find the right balance of air in the system. While air in the system does not affect the quality of the water, it does impact the look, as water appears milky, a look that is unacceptable. The new release valves should provide the needed balance.
The biological system may be difficult to launch, but the engineer says the biological colony gets stronger with each passing day. It eventually leads to substantial cost savings as the living filter needs less attention than traditional filter and chemical systems.
The engineering team was also concerned about the reliability of the chlorine injection system. They insisted on a replacement, covered by warranty, which is expected to arrive next week. Once installed, the system may be ready for launch.
Waugh-Cress would not suggest a date, reminding us that he has already been burned on such speculation. He says there will be a public meeting in Pugwash before the system goes live. Residents will be given a detailed presentation on the system and the technical difficulties that delayed it so long.