Lacombe County is pumping $3.4 million into Tees to ensure a reliable water supply.
County council approved the tendering and awarding an engineering contract for a bulk water filling station and a reservoir that would be built next year. The money is coming out of a reserve fund set aside for wastewater and water projects.
The project involves building an underground reservoir that can hold 346 cubic metres (346,000 litres) of water that will be linked to a bulk fill station designed to handle the biggest water tanker trucks.
County manager Tim Timmons said some Tees residents are already having problems getting enough water. Some are having to pay to have water brought to their homes.
"They are in a situation where they need good water," he said.
Coun. Brenda Knight, whose division includes Tees, said she has spoken to a number of area residents who have told her the water is needed.
"I do believe it will be used," said Knight.
The lingering drought conditions have heightened the importance of being able to provide good water to county farmers and other residents.
"We seem to be in a very dry cycle and it's going to take a lot of magic to pull out of it."
A good supply of water is also critical to water well drillers, who require massive amounts of water to shock chlorinate wells to ensure water is safe to drink.
It is expected it will cost nearly $41,000 a year to operate and maintain the facility.
Water sales will cover some of that cost, but not all, county manager Tim Timmons told council on Thursday.
"(Water sales) will help support the program, but it will not fully fund it," said Timmons.
