Mattice-Val Côté Automates Water Treatment Plant, Improving Service for Residents and Saving Energy

To reduce energy consumption, the Township of Mattice-Val Côté upgraded their water treatment plant with a variable frequency device and a high lift pump, using an investment from the Canada Community-Building Fund. 

Before the upgrades, the water pump was either running at maximum capacity, sending as much water as possible into the water main, or not at all. When consumers turned on their taps, this sudden switch would cause what is known as “water hammer” - a loud noise and pressure change as the water rushed backwards in the pipe. Water hammer wears pipes down over time and can introduce particulates into the water, turning it yellow or brown. 

The variable frequency device and the high lift pump work together to gradually adjust water flow. The variable frequency device measures how much water is needed at any given time and adjusts the speed of the pump to meet that need. This reduces energy consumption and stops the water hammer from occurring, by delivering water based on consumer demand and reducing the volume of unnecessary water being pumped into the distribution system.