SHESHEGWANING—With upgrades taking place at the Sheshegwaning First Nation water filtration plant, water production will be impacted for about four months, and a conserve water notice has been posted for local First Nation residents.
“The drinking water will not be affected,” stated Ron McKinley, director of plant and operations for Sheshegwaning. “The (conserve water) notice has gone out in regard to water quantity being used. All our numbers show the amount of water we have in the system will meet all the daily needs of everyone in the community, but for this period of time we can’t allow excessive use of our water.”
“We are undergoing upgrades to the water filtration plant system, and adding an ultra-violent system,” said Mr. McKinley.
Sheshegwaning residents have been advised of the conserve water notice that will be in effect from May 19 to September 22.
“Upgrades are starting for the Sheshegwaning water filtration plant, and water production will be impacted,” states the notice. It was explained, “there are two filters, and each will be taken offline one at a time, for a total of 18 weeks. New ultraviolet light treatment units will also be added to the treatment system. During the 18 weeks, only one filter will be operational.”
“Chief and Council are requesting the community conserve water during this time. This means no lawn watering, no car washing, minimizing all water use as much as possible,” the notice reads. “The splash pad will not be open this summer,” and “the sea can vegetable gardens will continue to receive water, but reservoir levels shall be monitored with only one filter being online. We are hoping to keep the vegetable gardens operational, but this may need to be revisited over the course of the water plant upgrades.”
“Chief and council appreciate your efforts to help us complete this very important project which will provide more capacity for the community’s water supply and enhance the quality of our drinking water,” said the notice.
Mr. McKinley said when the project is complete, “it will provide a better water treatment system.”
