Mississippi Mills council approved spending $133,444.80 from wastewater reserves to activate the service water system at the Almonte Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The system, included in the plant’s original design, will allow treated wastewater to be reused in plant operations instead of relying on municipal drinking water.
A recent review found the change will reduce the plant’s annual treated potable water consumption by about 80 per cent, generating cost savings and freeing up capacity in the town’s drinking water system. Staff say upgrades to pumps, controls and related equipment are needed before the system can be fully activated.
The work was not included in the 2026 capital budget, but officials recommend completing it this summer to maximize savings and minimize impacts on plant operations.
Council’s committee in approving the move congratulated staff on their diligence.
Story by Brian Turner
