Shakespeare water-treatment upgrades move ahead

Construction crews continue work on the new pumphouse in Shakespeare, designed to reduce arsenic and iron levels in the village’s water supply. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Construction continues on the new water-treatment system beside the Shakespeare Variety, marking a major step forward for the village’s long-term drinking water quality.

When arsenic levels rose above provincial monitoring thresholds, Perth East council agreed action was needed. The solution now taking shape includes a large concrete treatment tank and a new pumphouse engineered with multiple compartments to address both arsenic and iron levels.

The existing pump house was too small to accommodate modern treatment systems, and no cost-effective retrofit was possible. As part of the environmental assessment process, engineers examined several options and recommended a complete replacement designed not only to solve current water-quality concerns but also to support future growth.

Perth East Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz said council is committed to planning ahead for expanding communities like Shakespeare, ensuring reliable infrastructure for decades to come.