The TrojanUV3000Plus ultraviolet disinfection system, seen here, is designed to neutralize harmful microorganisms in treated wastewater before it’s discharged into the environment. (photo/ Trojan Technologies)

By Kenneth Cheung

WATER SAFETY

North Battleford upgrades wastewater UV system under budget to meet safety standards

Jun 24, 2025 | 3:52 PM

The City of North Battleford is upgrading its ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system at the wastewater treatment plant — a move officials say will improve water safety and save money.

“Our system is 20 years old, and at the end of its service life,” Kevin Kristian, the city’s water and wastewater superintendent, told council on June 23. “It’s been a good system of low maintenance, but underpowered for our process.”

The UV system is the final step before treated wastewater is released into the North Saskatchewan River. It uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and stop microorganisms from reproducing — a requirement of the city’s permit to operate under the Water Security Agency.

“The current system has occasionally produced microorganism counts above the Water Security Agency’s permit limits,” Kristian said.

Council has approved spending just over $528,000 on a high-pressure UV replacement called the TrojanUV300Plus — well below the $1.2 million originally budgeted for the project.

Former Ice Wolf, Mustang

Schneider named head coach of Kindersley Klippers

5h ago

Landfill decommissioning

Landfill decommissioning work continues in Melfort

6h ago

low precipitation

Montreal River at lowest level since 1960s, water level on Lac La Ronge dropping

6h ago

The new system will come from the same Canadian supplier, Trojan Technologies, and is designed to fit the plant’s existing layout, meaning the city can avoid costly redesigns or engineering work.

“It would be below budget, reduce timelines for installation, [and] does not require any engineering, as the system is a direct replacement.”

The cost also includes a $45,000 overhead crane to make weekly maintenance safer and reduce the risk of damaging expensive UV bulbs.

“Every week the system has to be taken out and cleaned,” he said. “The way they’re currently doing it now, there’s two people lifting it up and putting it on a rack, and there’s a lot of chance of damaging bulbs. The bulbs are very expensive, so the crane will pay for itself in a matter of years.”

Council approved the motion unanimously.

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com