Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
MELFORT — The City of Melfort and SaskWater have signed a two-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Dec 8 city council meetingto explore the development of a new water storage reservoir to replace aging infrastructure that has served the community for decades.
The agreement formalizes a planning partnership aimed at assessing the condition of the city’s two existing reservoirs, built in 1954 and 1976, and determining the most cost-effective approach for ensuring long-term water storage, treatment capacity and fire protection.
According to the City of Melfort report, a recent assessment found the south reservoir is nearing the end of its lifecycle and should be replaced, while the north reservoir will undergo a new structural review to determine whether rehabilitation or eventual replacement is the best option.
Under the MOU, SaskWater and the city will study the feasibility of building a new reservoir that would initially match the capacity of the south reservoir, with the possibility of expanding the design to consolidate both existing reservoirs into a single, modern facility. The infrastructure would support the city’s water needs as well as regional users connected through SaskWater’s system according to the city.
According to the city’s report, early estimates suggest water storage in a new facility would be divided roughly 75 per cent for Melfort and 25 per cent for regional use, though the final allocation will be refined as design work progresses.
The city will retain ownership and responsibility for the two aging reservoirs, including any future decommissioning. SaskWater will not assume liability for legacy infrastructure.
If the project moves forward, preliminary engineering work could begin in mid-2026, followed by funding proposals and approvals later that year, per the report. Detailed design and procurement may occur in early 2027, with construction targeted for 2027–28.
Both parties must approve any public communication regarding the MOU unless disclosure is required by law.
City officials say the partnership supports long-term planning for reliable and resilient water services, ensuring the community’s infrastructure keeps pace with future demand.
For more information, residents can visit the city’s website.
