Wetaskiwin and EPCOR sign agreement to upgrade and operate water treatment plant 

October 10, 2007 - Edmonton, Alberta - The City of Wetaskiwin and EPCOR announced today they have signed an agreement to ensure the community enjoys a reliable, safe and high quality drinking water supply.

“Wetaskiwin needs a safe and reliable water supply to support its residential and commercial growth, said Don Montgomery, Mayor of Wetaskiwin. “As a company with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and on budget, we’re confident EPCOR’s innovative upgrade design will ensure we can meet Wetaskiwin’s future needs.”

Under the agreement, EPCOR will design, build and finance upgrades to Wetaskiwin’s water treatment plant and operate and maintain the facility. The City of Wetaskiwin will maintain ownership of the water treatment plant and continue to set rates and bill customers. This is the first step in establishing a long-term relationship between the City and EPCOR. The intent is to transfer the water treatment plant facilities from the City to EPCOR.

“EPCOR provides the latest technology, proven designs and years of experience to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Stephen Stanley, Senior Vice-President of EPCOR Water Services. “That’s why we are proud to add the residents of Wetakiwin to the over 1 million people in 50 communities across Western Canada.”

The $11.5 million upgrade project will also allow Wetaskiwin to meet new Alberta Environment water regulations so that the City is eligible to renew its water license in 2008. The new design includes advanced water quality technology such as Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and Dissolved Air Flotation. EPCOR has committed to meeting or exceeding Alberta Environment standards.

The upgrades will use existing infrastructure to reduce the total cost to the City. For example, an existing facility located outside the City will be used for sludge storage, which will also minimize odour impacts to the community.

EPCOR Utilities Inc.
EPCOR Utilities Inc. builds, owns and/or operates power plants, electrical transmission and distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure in Canada and the United States. EPCOR has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 employers for eight consecutive years, and is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta. EPCOR’s web site is http://www.epcor.ca/.

 
For further information, please contact:

Tim le Riche
EPCOR
780 969-8238

Tony Goode, City Manager
City of Wetaskiwin
780 361-4410