It was an exciting day for residents in the R.M. of Dufferin Friday. More than two months ahead of schedule, the Stephenfield Regional Water Treatment Plant expansion project was officially completed with a grand opening celebration.

An official explains the new filtration system at the plantThe plant supplies water to four municipalities and four towns with a population base of more than 9,000 people.

Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen was on hand for the official opening.  He said water is something most people take for granted.  "You open your tap and the water is there," said Pederson.  He added the residents of these municipalities have had good water, but the upgrades make it even better.  "It increases the capacity, it increases the quality, and it increases the reliability of the system too."

The upgrades have doubled the plant’s treatment capacity, ensuring residents of the RMs of Dufferin, Grey, Thompson and Morris and the Town of Carmen and the surrounding region have access to a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water.

"Rural water in the RM of Dufferin is one of the most significant ventures that has been provided for our ratepayers," said R.M. of Dufferin Reeve George Gray.  Gray also gives credit to the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative on their initial wisdom and planning and now on this state-of-the-art expansion.

The old treatment facility was a traditional lime softening plant and has been upgraded to membrane technology.  It also increases water flow from 20 liters a second to 40 liters a second.

The new plant will ensure local residents and businesses continue to receive clean water.  Pembina Valley Water Co-op CEO, Greg Archibald said the upgrade has also helped position themselves better for the future in regard to regulatory issues.

Archibald also gave credit to the Pembina Valley Water Co-op's former CEO, the late Gord Martel in the work he did to make the treatment plant a reality.

"This is a great day to celebrate," said Paul Peters, who is co-chair of the Pembina Valley Water Co-op and has been with the co-op for 17 years.  "I was there when we celebrated Morris, but this is almost bigger yet because it's farther removed from our central area.  Everybody here, local people, staff, our CEO, did a phenomenal job, and it's great to see this come to fruition."

The federal and provincial governments each contributed up to $1 million to this project through the small communities fund, representing 30 percent of the estimated $6.4-million total project cost.