The Municipality of Mississippi Mills may be able to increase Almonte’s water supply sooner and at a much lower cost than originally expected. A review of Wells 7 and 8 found the existing infrastructure can already produce more water than currently allowed under the Municipality’s drinking water licence. Staff say a licence amendment could raise system capacity without the need for a costly Environmental Assessment or roughly $2 million in planned upgrades.
Council had previously budgeted $750,000 for environmental studies and engineering work related to expanding Wells 7 and 8. However, discussions with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks confirmed that aligning the drinking water licence with the wells’ existing Permit to Take Water would not require an Environmental Assessment because higher groundwater withdrawals are already approved by permit.
As a result, staff are recommending that most of the remaining funding be redirected toward planning for future Wells 9 and 10, which are needed to meet long-term growth. The work will include updating groundwater models, revising source water protection plans, selecting and testing a new well site, and beginning the Environmental Assessment process.
Municipal staff say the reallocation will accelerate planning for future water supply needs while avoiding additional costs to taxpayers. The move is also expected to reduce future operating costs and help the Municipality meet requirements set by provincial regulators and source water protection authorities.
Council’s committee approved the move.
