Expansion work on the Stephenfield water treatment plant remains on schedule, according to the Pembina Valley Water Co-op.

The $7 million upgrade includes the installation of new water purification technology similar to what the Water Co-op is using at its Morris facility. That plant, which was constructed in 2010, uses nanotechnology to treat water, producing a very high quality product.

"Basically, we're upgrading it to the new technology which is going to provide for a much improved quality of water and will allow us to meet all of the drinking water qualifications now and hopefully well into the future," said Sam Schellenberg, interim CEO for the utility. "Also, it's going to allow for further expansion if that becomes a requirement."

According to Schellenberg, the project remains on schedule and on budget and should be completed by early 2017.

"It's actually a physical expansion, so what you get is an addition to the existing plant which creates the footprint for the new facility, and which also provide us with additional reservoir capacity."

He adds, upgrading the Co-op's water treatment plant at Letellier is next on their list of future upgrades.

"That facility will require a considerable amount of work in terms of how you deal with it. I think the issue of drought proofing will be one of the discussions in the mix there as well."