A new state-of-the-art water reservoir that will supply about 30 per cent of the Nanaimo’s fresh water is finally complete.
Nanaimo Alberni MP James Lunney and Mayor John Ruttan were among the dignitaries at the official opening of Reservoir No. 1. Ruttan says the $11.2 million dollar project replaces the old open-air reservoir which served the city for more than a hundred years.
The reservoir also has another purpose. City Water Manager Bill Sims says they can use the flow of water to generate electricity.
The City struck a deal with BC Hydro earlier this year to sell the power to the main grid. Sims estimates they’ll bring in anywhere from $5000-$10,000 every month. Next up, the City is working on finishing the new water treatment plant upstream from the reservoir.
