South River applies for funding for water treatment system

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

South River has applied to the federal government to help it pay for a new water treatment system.

If successful, it will be the latest step in the improvement of water services in the community, building on past upgrades to chlorine facilities and the extension of water lines to various areas in the town. 

Staff said the development of a state-of-the-art water system would enhance the quality and reliability of the water supply by using the latest treatment technologies. The system would use either a Dissolved Air Flotation or Membrane Water Treatment Plant, which would filter contaminants from the water. It would also have a pretreatment system to remove particulates, and water storage that would provide capacity to accommodate peak demand. The primary goal of the project would be to provide high-quality drinking water to South River residents.

Councillor Ryan Snow told his fellow council members at their April 2 public meeting, that the proposal to the federal government, which he had worked on all weekend, totaled about 15 pages. 

“Ryan did the application himself and put a lot of work into it,” said Town Manager Marjorie Dawson. 

“I think it’s a great initiative,” said Deputy Mayor Melissa Hierlihy. “Thank you very much for all the work you put into that application.” 

The population of South River is steadily growing, with an expected increase of 1.9 percent this year, which would result in a total population of 714. There are also growing housing demands. The aim of the water treatment system project is not only to meet public health standards, but also to ensure the town can accommodate future population growth and demand, staff noted.