Village of Baddeck cautiously accepting new sewer and water hookups

The village commission in Baddeck, N.S. has made the decision to lift the moratorium on new sewer and water hookups that was put in place last year due to concerns about the capacity of the community’s aging infrastructure. This decision comes after demand for treated water exceeded regulated limits, leading to partially treated sewage entering Bras d’Or Lake.

During the village commission’s annual general meeting, chair Jennifer MacDonald announced that development is now cautiously moving forward under the guidance of engineers. MacDonald acknowledged that while there is still some capacity issues and bypass events occurring, the village now has a limited capacity to handle new hookups without putting undue stress on the system.

Development in Baddeck came to a halt last year as the community grappled with the costs of repairing systems that were built decades ago. MacDonald revealed that around 70% of the material being treated by the wastewater system was not originating from homes and businesses, as indicated by water meter readings. The village is currently investigating sources of water infiltrating the sewage system, with rainwater being the likely culprit.

An engineering report on the wastewater system is anticipated this fall, which will aid in planning for necessary repairs, expansion, and associated costs. MacDonald also highlighted inefficiencies in the water treatment system and the need to address these issues moving forward.

The engineering report also identified that a significant amount of treated water is not reaching homes and businesses, with some losses attributed to leaks and potential unmetered water consumption by customers. MacDonald urged residents who are not receiving water bills to contact the village office to rectify the situation.

Despite the challenges, the village has determined that there is enough water in the aquifer to potentially expand the treatment and distribution system. MacDonald expressed optimism about the village’s infrastructure needs being addressed and plans for improvements being made, which is why new hookups are once again being accepted on a case-by-case basis.

While large-scale developments may not currently be feasible, the village can accommodate single-family dwellings and small commercial hookups at this stage. The village commission is committed to facilitating responsible development while ensuring the sustainability of the community’s infrastructure.