The Town of Saugeen Shores is planning for the future of our drinking water system.

We’ve started a Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to look at ways to increase the capacity of the Saugeen Shores Water Treatment Plant (WTP). This plant provides clean drinking water to Port Elgin, Southampton, and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), through two separate pressure zones. Zone 1 serves Southampton and SON lands, while Zone 2 covers Port Elgin and the eastern part of Southampton.

Right now, the plant is licensed to treat up to 18,000 cubic metres of water per day, according to its Municipal Drinking Water Licence from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. However, the current membrane system can only filter about 13,800 cubic metres per day. With our community continuing to grow, we expect to need more capacity within the next 20 years.

This Environmental Assessment is being done alongside a larger Master Plan that looks at long-term water servicing needs. Both studies will use the latest population growth and water use forecasts to help us plan the right size for future upgrades. Our goal is to make sure our water infrastructure keeps up with community needs while supporting sustainable development.