Bringing reliable, safe drinking water to residents west of the Town of Athabasca
Athabasca County Council has approved stage one of the Athabasca West Waterline Project, which marks significant progress in the design and construction of the County’s waterline project. Council approved the proposed Stage One Plan at the Regular County Council meeting held on August 20, 2026.
The Athabasca West Waterline Project will involve constructing approximately 20 kilometres (km) of new pipeline from Wood Heights Road to Whispering Hills. Once complete, the project will provide Athabasca County and regional residents with direct and long-term access to safe, reliable potable drinking water and support future opportunities for responsible growth and economic development in the area.
As previously announced on June 20, 2024, the waterline project has so far garnered $15,759,000 in funding support from Transportation and Economic Corridors’ Water for Life Program to cover 90 per cent of estimated design and construction costs. Originally known as the Island Lake Regional Water Extension project, the project’s name has changed due to the scope being altered during the planning and design phases. The remaining $1,751,000 will be covered from a combination of the County’s reserves and the Federal Government’s Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF). Total estimated costs for Stage One of the waterline is $17,510,000.
During stage one of the project, three major developments are scheduled:
- Booster station with truck and bottle fill. A booster station near the intersection of Highway 2 and Range Road 231 will be added toincrease and maintain water pressure across long distances, varying elevations, and high-demand zones.
- Trickle services off pipe past the booster station. A trickle water system will be constructed to allow properties to connect directly to the regional pipeline using a low-pressure trickle feed that moves water slowly, supporting typical household purposes off of the line.
- Detailed design and land purchases. A more detailed design and land acquisitionsfor the whole pipeline will occur, including Whispering Hills Truck Fill. The truck fill will reduce hauling distance for those who are not on the line and provide a reliable source of potable water.
The total project cost for the project is $26,000,000. This amount is based on current construction values. Stage one is being funded with available funding and its anticipated construction start date is Spring of 2027. Grant proposal development for the next phase of the Athabasca West Waterline Project is now underway.
“This is an important step forward for our region. The Athabasca West Waterline Project will expand access to safe, reliable drinking water for residents, while reducing water hauling distances for those who continue to rely on truck fill services. Just as importantly, this investment helps build the infrastructure needed to support responsible industrial growth and future economic development, ensuring our region is well positioned for the opportunities ahead.”
-Tracy Holland, Reeve of Athabasca County
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Angela Kazmierczak
Communications Coordinator, Athabasca County
Email: angelak@athabascacounty.com
