Doors open at Portage water filtration plant

Donald Teuma-Castelletti
PORTAGE DU FORT May 26, 2018
After years of having unsafe drinking water and a constant boil advisory, Portage du Fort residents have seen huge improvements in the quality of their water over the last few months – and were offered the chance to see why at an open house on Saturday.
That’s because the town’s water filtration facility was open to the public, complete with guided tours and explanations of the ins and outs, all from the town’s new water technician.
“It’s a chance to let the residents view the process [of their water treatment],” said Mayor Lynne Cameron, of the open house. “No one has any idea just how intricate this building is.”
Located at the corner of Rue Purvis and Hwy. 303, facing the Ottawa River, the facility saw residents stream in at their leisure, as the mayor, two councillors and the water technician were on-site to greet them.
Once inside, Jessica Nilsson, the technician, would give a guided tour, explaining everything from the water entering the system right up until the point it is poured from a tap.