Multi-million-dollar upgrades to Greater Vernon’s water system are being proposed.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will submit a $5.6 million grant application to the federal government for ultraviolet treatment at the Duteau Creek plant.
If the grant is received, GVAC’s share of the $7 million project would be $1.19 million.
The goal of the program is to defer the installation of costly filtration at the treatment plant.
“If we maintain standards, the exclusion (from the Interior Health Authority) can apply,” said Dale McTaggart, engineering manager.
Staff have been investigating the potential for UV treatment as a way of addressing cryptosporidium and giardia.
“A pilot project has been underway in 2016, indicating that UV treatment and chlorine management will be a cost-effective alternative to filtration for meeting IHA standards,” said Zee Marcolin, water manager, in a report.