Nanaimo Reservoir #1 & Energy Recovery Facility

 Cutting ribbon are Rhona Martin UBCM Pres., Mayor John Ruttan, Dr. James Lunney MP

Three generators producing enough power for 60 - 70 homes.

Exterior of Reservoir #1 and energy recovery facility

 Enclosed Reservoir Ensures Drinking Water Quality

Construction of Nanaimo’s new $11.2 million, 14 million litre drinking water reservoir is now complete. The new facility ensures residents have continued access to safe, clean drinking water and is also providing fire protection to the lower elevations of the City, from Chase River to Departure Bay, and Snuneymuxw Reserve No. 1.

The project includes the construction of facilities to generate hydro-electric power from the water system, as well as pipelines to convey the water to the new reservoir location on Nanaimo Lakes Road, just east of the Nanaimo Parkway. The hydro-electric component is helping to reduce the City's carbon footprint and offset the costs of operating the water system.

“Today’s announcement provides the residents of Nanaimo with two new and important pieces of civic infrastructure – an expansion to our water system that improves the supply of safe, clean drinking water and the introduction of a new source of power generation that provides our community with more than $70,000 in additional annual revenue. I am very pleased with the outcome of this project and the value it provides all our residents and for the support provided by our federal and provincial partners.” Mayor John Ruttan.

The $11.2 million project was made possible thanks to a contribution of nearly $7.7 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund along with $3.5 million from the City's Water Reserves.