The first phase of upgrading Cochrane's wastewater capacity is among the $17 million in capital projects being undertaken by the Town of Cochrane this year.

The town is in the final stages of completing a detailed design of the first phase of the wastewater capacity upgrade, says Senior Infrastructure manager Rick Deans. That phase basically involves the development of a second underground wet well storage tank structure.

In the long run, it's a huge capital undertaking of the town to meet the growing waterwaste needs of the community. In total there are six phases that will ultimately lead to a twinned wastewater pipeline and second pump station and is designed to accommodate a population of 60,000-65,000, expected to be reached in 50 years.

The work will be completed over the next 20 years with a total cost projection of about $30 million.

"Through innovative engineering design and phasing we are implementing the various phases based on actual growth and to allow for more flexibility in financing," says Deans.

Cochrane wastewater is pumped to the City of Calgary system for treatment.

Some minor upgrades are also being completed to improve the water hydraulics at the town's water treatment plant and more work needs to be completed in the future. The plant requires another rack of membrane filters to truly increase its treatment capacity and funding will be requested in the town's 2018 capital budget.

The town has set aside $4.9 million in its 2017 budget for the transfer station wet well and $700,000 for improvements to the water plant.

Water conservation continues to be encouraged and it has had success in reducing water residential per capita useage. In 2004, the average per capita useage per day was just shy of 250 litres. By 2013 that had dropped to about 190 litres.

Based upon current water consumption data, the town has enough water allocation and treatment capacity to satisfy the demand for a population of about 40,000. This number can vary based on climate and growth.

Still, it's something the town continually explores to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to administering its water licence and being prepared for the needs of the future.

"We are currently exploring all available options to manage the increased demands we will experience with the growth projections," says Deans. "Water allocation and transfer is a more challenging process and we are ensuring we explore all available options."