Espanola council has unanimously approved a major water project.
Espanola council agreed to use reserves to replace the trunk-main, which is believed to be installed in the 1950s, made from unlined cast iron and has exceeded its life cycle by 30 years.
In 2004 the municipality solicited a study to improve the water distribution system to alleviate brown water issues in the community, with the replacement of the line the priority.
Over the years, money has been put in reserve for the project, estimated at just over $5.7-million dollars.
Since Espanola has healthy reserves, the municipality was turned down for grants, but time is now of the essence in replacing the line.
Council agreed to use the water and sewer reserves of $3.4 million-plus the $2.1 million available through the federal gas tax fund.
The project will be considered as part of the 2021 budget and now goes to tender.
