CU Water Ltd. is purchasing the water distribution system from the Village of Holden, Alberta, Canada, effective Sept. 1, 2002.
The purchase by CU Water will help the village by ensuring its water system is maintained and upgraded in a cost-effective and efficient manner now and into the future. This includes adding new technology like metric meters that are read remotely, eliminating the need for meter readers to enter the home.
"We are pleased to welcome the residents of Holden as our newest customers," said Brent Clark, Manager, CU Water. "Water is our business and we look forward to serving all of the water needs in Holden."
The purchase of the distribution system is happening in conjunction with the construction of a regional water pipeline that will deliver a much-needed supply of water to the village of Holden, the hamlet of Bruce and the town of Viking. The Holden portion of the pipeline is scheduled to be complete by August 31. The water pipeline is a joint project with the Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission. The project was made possible by a grant from Alberta Transportation, through the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP). The pipeline will be owned and operated by CU Water.
"This is great news for our community," says Fred McInroy, mayor of Holden. "The average customer will pay about $14 per month more on their water bill, but it means that all residents will enjoy a reliable, consistent supply of clean water. This is a welcome relief after the long drought we have endured."
For Holden residents, the purchase by CU Water means new meter readers, new bills and a new telephone number for billing and service inquiries. CU Water will contract with ATCO Gas, a sister company, to provide meter reading. At the end of the month, meter readers will be teamed up with village staff to complete the final meter reading before the transfer. As the meters are read, staff will deliver special packages with customer service information about CU Water.
Residents can find out more about the purchase and the pipeline by attending an open house hosted by CU Water at the Holden Community Hall on Monday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. In the meantime, residents with questions are welcome to call CU Water Customer Service toll-free at 1-866-333-3791.
Source: CU Water Ltd.
