Fill station water sample testing is underway. The stations will be kept covered until testing is complete and the water deemed safe for consumption.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
The City of Medicine Hat will permanently adopt its water bottle fill station program, introduced last year as a pilot.
The program aims to increase public accessibility to safe drinking water in summer months through installation of 10 fill stations throughout the city.
The stations, built from parts belonging to the city assets inventory, connect to fire hydrants and when accessed release a stream of treated water to fill bottles and pet bowls.
While in operation, regular tests are conducted to ensure water remains safe for consumption. As well, crews regularly disinfect the stations.
During the program’s inaugural year, roughly 118,000 litres of water was dispensed from the stations. That, coupled with positive feedback from the community, led to permanent implementation, said city assets director Pat Bohan.
“We considered the pilot to be a resounding success,” said Bohan. “We made modifications to the equipment, like adding a timer to automatically flush the hydrants periodically and (laying) gravel around areas that were prone to becoming muddy, but we’re happy to report this program is here to stay.”
In 2022, the total cost of water supplied by the fill stations was $550, while the cost of each station was listed at roughly $1,300. All costs associated with the program will be covered by city asset’s operating budget, and will not result in fee hikes for residents.
Stations are situated at city hall; Towne Square, Big Marble Go Centre, Saamis Rotary Park and Strathcona Island Park near the Heritage Pavillion, as well as along Jeffries Trail, Carry Drive Trail, South Ridge Trail, S. Boundary Road and Parkview Close.
