Despite hopes that it could be up and running this fall, the timeline for opening the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant has been pushed back to 2023.
The plant, which was originally supposed to be operational in May 2021, has suffered from a series of equipment malfunctions along with several disagreements between the municipality (BIM) and filtration equipment supplier Purifics over how to proceed with repairs.
July estimates were optimistic the plant could be running this month, but on Monday, Oct. 17 BIM announced that three main parts of the project still need completing to ensure all the fixes are made.
The first - retrofit mechanical work - is expected to be complete this month. This consists of installing a break head tank, pumps, and piping.
However, electrical equipment is not scheduled to be delivered until November, with installation in December. The undertaking will then head into the new year when Purifics will finally repair the broken filter and recommission the water plant.
This will be followed by a final inspection and water testing by Vancouver Coastal Health, and then drinking water will be delivered to all users hooked up to the Cove Bay Water System, estimated to be more than 600 properties.
