Regina backs $40M electrical upgrade of water treatment plant

Regina is looking for federal help for a $40.4 million electrical upgrade to the Buffalo Pound water treatment plant.

The plant is the main source of drinking water for Regina, Moose Jaw and other communities in southern Saskatchewan.

According to city officials, the current electrical system is decades old and at the end of its useful life. If the power fails, Regina could run short of water in two days' time.

To prevent that from happening, council voted Monday to apply for federal funding which might cover half the capital costs of the upgrade.

It would include a new transmission line, transformers, breakers, backup generators and other equipment that would let the Buffalo Pound plant operate for another 25 years.

"This is absolutely essential," Coun. Bob Hawkins said. "We could be caught short of water."

Buffalo Pound facility is run as a self-financing utility operated by Regina and Moose Jaw. Its share of the proposed upgrade is $10.1 million.

The city will ask the province to contribute a similar share.