Development of a Water Supply and Water Treatment Facility for a Small Rural Community

Abstract

The Saskatchewan Abilities Council operates a permanent recreation and training facility at Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan. This facility, known as Camp Easter Seal, accommodates approximately 200 people during the summer. Prior to 1986, water for domestic use was obtained from an off-site shallow well. Contamination of the well resulted in the need to develop a safe reliable water supply for the camp. Such a supply was developed on-site, from a deep aquifer. Since the water from the deep aquifer contained excessive concentrations of sodium and sulfate ions, a specialized water treatment system was required. The system that was designed included manganese greensand filters, water softeners and a reverse osmosis desalination unit. To reduce the cost of supplying domestic water to the camp, a split distribution system was installed – only desalinated water was provided for human consumption; softened water was distributed to the laundry, showers and washrooms.