North Battleford has awarded the contract for drilling and developing new wells at its groundwater treatment plant to Elk Point Drilling Inc. of North Battleford.
The winning bid was in the amount of $138,885.00 plus taxes and beat out two competing bids from Andrews and Son Drilling of Regina and Hayter Drilling of Watrous.
The tender was approved unanimously at Monday night's council meeting. Councillor Trent Houk said he was particularly pleased to see a local contractor winning the bid.
The award comes on the heels of a report to council last year by WaterMark Consulting, Ltd., reviewing the groundwater wells used by the city. The study found the groundwater aquifer is adequate to support present and future needs of Water Treatment Plant No.1.
According to an administration memo from Public Works Director Stewart Schafer, the new water wells are required in order to meet the additional capacity at the groundwater treatment plant. It is expected to have the capacity to treat an additional 600 imperial gallons per minute of raw water, according to figures Schafer provided. The tender included a request for drilling and developing three new wells with an option for a fourth, if necessary.
The 2011 Water Utility Budget designated $800,000 to putting four wells into production. Schafer said in his memo that if only three wells are required it is assumed the cost of the project will be less.
