Construction has started on Penhold’s new water reservoir and a sod-turning ceremony celebrating the commencement of that work was held this afternoon. The hope in that community is the end of water rationing and brown stuff running through the taps.

The $3.8-million project, scheduled for completion next April, will store up to 2,500 cubic metres of water. The town’s existing reservoir holds 1,000 cubic metres.

The increased capacity also means the town can draw more from its preferred wells, and rely less on one that contains higher amounts of iron and magnesium, which produced bad-tasting, brown water in the past, says Mayor Dennis Cooper.

Over the years, the Town of Penhold has seen its population swell, a new high school open and homes built.

It’s growth, but as Cooper says, growth has to be serviced.

According to the 2016 federal census, Penhold’s population grew to 3,100 people – a 36 per cent increase from the census before.

With the new reservoir, Penhold will have enough water to sustain a population of 7,500 people, Cooper says.

“Penhold is becoming a complete community. And to be a complete community, we have to have infrastructure that will be able to handle growth,” he says.

“Our sewage system right now can handle 7,500 people. Now our water system can handle 7,500 people. We’re ready for growth.”

He says council noticed low water levels before, but when crews had to tackle a massive fire in 2014, placing further demands on the water system, they had to act sooner than later.

“We want safe water for our community and we want lots of water if we have to fight a fire,” he says.

Tagish Engineering is the company doing construction. The project has received funding support from both the federal and provincial governments.