Following a generator fire at the Wheatley Water Treatment Plant in September 2023, plant operations are now fully back online and the plant is once again supplying safe drinking water to some 8,500 residents in Wheatley and Tilbury, Ontario.
Throughout the repair process, the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission (PUC) says many components of the plant have been replaced with the newest available technology to ensure longevity and reliable production for years to come.
“This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff, contractors, and partners who worked tirelessly to restore the facility and ensure uninterrupted service to the community,” announced PUC Director of Operations, Karen Burgess.
The fire originated with the water plant’s diesel generator, which was undergoing regular maintenance and testing, local officials said. Damage from the fire was significant enough to place the Wheatley Water Treatment Plant out of service, but nobody was injured.
The generator has now been moved outside of the refurbished facility.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
The latest environmental engineering news direct to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Local officials with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent thanked the Municipality of Leamington for keeping the water flowing with an interconnection.
“I would like to further extend my gratitude to Leamington for keeping our water flowing during our time of need,” said Chatham-Kent Councillor Lauren Anderson. “Partnerships like ours are imperative to continuing to provide the needs of our communities. Finally, to the people of Wheatley and our major water users, your patience, and accommodations to requests from the PUC did not go unnoticed and your support has made all the difference.”
The South Kent water treatment plant also provided additional water during repairs through four interconnections.
The Wheatley plant was constructed in 1994 and later expanded in 2004 in order to provide water to the community of Tilbury and surrounding area.
The plant’s repairs had originally been estimated to take just one year.
