The potential conversion of the Bayfield and Hensall splash pads was under consideration at the Municipality of Bluewater’s council meeting on Monday, August 14, as they weighed in on the benefits and challenges of transitioning from recirculating systems to flow-through designs.
Clerk Chandra Alexander underscored the significant cost and time savings associated with converting to a flow-through system. Currently, the splash pads require 2.5 hours of maintenance daily due to water chemistry issues with the recirculating system. The conversion could reduce this to a mere 30 minutes, as well as eliminate the hazards posed by chemical handling and aging equipment. The Clerk endorsed the conversion for its cost-efficiency and water conservation potential,
Mayor Paul Klopp raised several concerns,
The installation of a dechlorination system emerged as another focal point, with Manager of Public Works Dave Kester highlighting that chlorine discharge into water sources is a violation of MECP regulations.
As the debate continued, the possibility of involving the conservation authority to study the issue was brought up by Mayor Klopp. The practicalities of dechlorination were also deliberated upon, with options ranging from passing water through lagoon systems to chemical treatments, contingent on cost-effectiveness.
The overall upgrade will run the municipality about $32,000, but was estimated to provide an annual cost savings of $10,000-$20,000.
Despite their reservations, council directed staff convert the splash pads to flow through systems – with conversion costs being added to the 2024 budget.
Written by: B. Shakyaver