The collector system had been in place for decades, but the upgrade includes a new section of trench and the replacement of flow control structures throughout the channels — a renewal of the system for better productivity.

Other alternative water sources outlined in the plan include developing new wells, restoring wells that are offline and utilizing surface water. Conservation measures implemented will reduce demand.

Once completed, testing will take place on the collector system for flow rates into the Glen, although that may have to wait until spring due to low river levels, McDonald said. The water pumping permit with the Grand River Conservation Authority runs from April to November, but has limitations.

“If it gets below a certain threshold, then we cease pumping,” he said.

The flow rates are monitored on the GRCA website. The city can pump 33,000 litres per minute in spring, and that number decreases significantly in the summer and fall when river flows are low.

“The purpose of this project is to try to better utilize our permitted rate and try to increase capacity. It’s a very inexpensive cost of quality water compared to a treatment facility and compared to drilling and developing a new well, so that’s why this is a viable and really exciting project for the city and for additional water supply,” McDonald said, adding the cost for this first phase of the project is $250,000.

Phase 2 and 3 of the project will depend on results of the tests, he said.

A further project outlined in the WSMP includes a $9-million project to construct storage wells in Guelph to maximize the use of the collector system.

A hiking trail maintained by the Guelph Hiking Trail Club was in the path of the new trench, and has been rerouted.

The area is frequented by Guelphites escaping the city to the hills, the plains and the Glen.

Signs were posted around the work site earlier this summer to keep people out.

Work will be completed by early September, McDonald said.