Work continues at a steady pace on Keremeos’ new water reservoir.
Larry Vink, Project Supervisor with Neelco, who are contractors for the project, said last weekthat weather related delays are now past, predicting construction would be complete by late May.
The site currently employs several local workers, who were busy last week tying rebar in prefabricated concrete forms, in preparation for concrete pouring of the reservoir’s walls. Other work was continuing on the facility’s service road.
The 500,000 gallon storage tank is expected to be in service by early summer.
Commissioning is expected to take place around the middle of May, said Keremeos Irrigation District Office Manager Cheryl Halla on April 7.
“Concrete pouring is underway this week, with the valve chamber being constructed as well. The remaining portion of the pipeline will be going out to tender later in April.”
The reservoir will serve all the residents of Keremeos on the existing water system, except for a small number at the Red Bridge, which uses a separate satellite water system.
The reservoir project caused some controversy in Keremeos prior to a referendum that took place in April last year. A number of residents disputed the need for the facility, citing other infrastructure needs as higher priorities. The reservoir project is part of the KID’s 10 year plan to improve water delivery to its ratepayers.