WSDL now has an agreement in place with Foothills MD to tie into their West Foothills Water Treatment Facility (Previously known as FCR Water Plant), below is a conceptual draft

Letter from MD

From: Suzanne Oel <Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca>
Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2024 2:49 PM
To: Suzanne Oel <Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca>
Subject: 2024-01-27 – West Foothills Potable Water Project – update FYI

Good afternoon,

I am emailing you today because you had previously expressed interest in the status of a potential water project in the West Foothills area and we have formerly been in touch about that.

I have been writing updates about this topic in the High Country News and sending to the West Foothills Community Association (for fan-out), but wanted to send this to you directly in case you haven’t seen this.  Here is the latest news as of January 2024:

Public system extension – large project scale

West Foothills Water Project awaits Grant Funding:  In 2023, Foothills County reviewed previous engineering studies and areas, near the West Foothills Water Treatment Plant, where interest in piped-water service has been identified.  Cost estimates for a public system extension, large-scale project, remain the same as previously calculated for the area directly north of the West Foothills Water Treatment Plant, assuming there are two hook-ups per property, and all landowners on an agreed-upon route are included in a local improvement project.  Due to the resident response regarding the price tag of approximately $62,500 (2017) and $45,500 (2020) per potential water service connection, the County recognizes that there is a preference for the option of obtaining a grant to reduce the cost.  The County continues to search for grants.  Once the County sees that there is a possibility of applying for a grant, when one becomes available, a mailout will be sent out to residents to determine interest and potential route(s).  As of the January 2024, the County has checked into grants and found that no grants were available for this purpose.  In 2024, the grant search will continue.

Opportunity for a few direct neighbours – small project scale 

Potentially, up to three direct neighbours to the County’s potable water distribution pipeline, located directly south of the West Foothills Water Treatment Plant and east of Highway 762, could have the opportunity to tie into the existing waterline.  Three additional served homes would be the maximum capacity of the waterline located there.  Landowners would be required to consult with Foothills County to determine the permissions to run a line in the County’s Right-of-Way and enter into an agreement to connect.  A hook-up fee of $10, 000 would also be applicable.  Residents would hire their own contractor to connect with the County waterline, at their own cost.  Residents could obtain a few quotes and decide if they are interested to pay the quoted amount to make the connection.  A water meter is also necessary as this is a billed service.  An account would be set up with Foothills County once the tie-in is completed and the service begins.  As of January 2024, one resident is working towards connecting, but the project is not yet complete.  A second one is pending.

Please let me know if you would like to discuss this by phone or would like any further information.

Please let me know if you no longer want to hear from me about this project and I will not send any further information to you.  I apologize if this is a duplication of information for you or if you have previously declined information.

With Best Regards,

Suzanne Oel

Division 4 Councillor

Foothills County