New Shakespeare water treatment plant officially opens, improving water quality and fire protection

Officials gather Tuesday for the official opening of Shakespeare's new $4-million water treatment plant. Pictured from left are Steve Burns, senior engineer with B.M. Ross and Associates; Perth-Wellington MP John Nater; Perth East Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz; Perth East public works manager Jake Collings; and Andrew Garland, vice president and senior engineer with B.M. Ross and Associates, who oversaw the project. Gary West photo

By Gary West

After months of planning and construction, Shakespeare's new $4-million water treatment plant is officially up and running, providing improved drinking water quality and additional fire protection for village residents.

The new facility was officially opened Oct. 13, marking an important investment in the community's water infrastructure.

The treatment plant was constructed to address elevated arsenic levels previously detected in the village's water supply. With the new treatment system in operation, arsenic levels have been reduced to meet provincial drinking water standards.

For residents connected to the municipal water system, the improvements provide greater confidence in the quality and safety of the water flowing into their homes.

Perth East Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz and Perth-Wellington MP John Nater were among those on hand for the grand opening, highlighting the importance of the project for Shakespeare residents.

The project received $580,000 in federal funding and $480,000 from the provincial government, helping the Township of Perth East move forward with construction of the new facility.

Beyond improving drinking-water quality, the new treatment plant will also provide an important benefit for local firefighters.

According to Perth East Fire Chief Bill Hunter, the upgraded infrastructure will allow fire hydrants to be installed throughout the village, giving Shakespeare-area firefighters improved access to water when responding to major fires.

A large storage tank beneath the treatment plant can hold approximately 400,000 litres of water, providing a significant reserve that can be pumped quickly during emergencies.

The additional water supply will help improve fire protection for homes, businesses and agricultural properties in the surrounding area.

With the new treatment plant now operational, the township has taken an important step toward improving both drinking-water infrastructure and emergency preparedness in Shakespeare.