The projected cost of the new domestic water treatment plant for Osoyoos has jumped to just over $80 million and is expected to be operational in about four years.
Osoyoos’ Committee of the Whole has given the nod to town staff review and update the Five-Year Financial Plan to incorporate the costs associated with the design, construction and ongoing operations and maintenance of a surface water treatment facility at an estimated cost of $51.735 million.
A new water treatment facility in Osoyoos based on lake water would be nearly $10 million cheaper than upgrading the current groundwater system according to a report from the largest water-only consultancy firm in the US.
Under ongoing pressure to reduce the tax burden on Osoyoos residents, elected officials continued to chip away at the budget behemoth but gave pause at the recent special budget meeting at the Sonora Centre to consider the ramifications of “borrowing from Peter to pay Paul”.
The Town of Osoyoos has recommitted to providing support and funds for a new groundwater treatment facility intended to lower manganese levels in the town’s drinking water supply.