The provincial and federal governments will be funding a $5-million new water system in Pritchard, just east of Kamloops.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District says the federal government will fund $2,969,695, with the remaining $1,979,796 coming from the province.

“This is tremendous news for everyone on the Pritchard water system,” said Mel Rothenburger, the Pritchard-area TNRD Director. “Due to conditions in the South Thompson River, water quality has been a major issue for that community for many years. They deserve good quality water and at last they’re going to get it.”

Per the TNRD, this funding will cover 100 per cent of the eligible costs for the regional district to upgrade the Pritchard Community Water System, including the river intake pumphouse, a new membrane filtration water treatment facility, primary and secondary disinfection, and distribution system piping.

The detailed engineering and design work will be commissioned this year, and the goal is to put the construction contract out for tender in 2021.