On October 31, the provincial government announced the registration of Greater Montreal’s first drinking water infrastructure on the heritage register. Among the protected historic buildings is Montreal’s former Atwater drinking water filtration plant, whose first filtration gallery was inaugurated in 1918[1].This news reveals an intention to enhance the value of water’s industrial heritage, as this awareness-raising effort is at the heart of the mission of C.I.EAU, founded in 2002 by water workers.
The importance and preservation of water infrastructure plays a central role in the Water Museum’s conservation efforts. The organization presents a permanent exhibition tracing the path of water in the urban environment, as well as a temporary exhibition on the evolution of water quality in Sainte-Rose. C.I.EAU’s involvement also extends to the enhancement of drinking water and wastewater plants and facilities throughout the province, as part of its services to municipalities.
The construction of the Atwater plant has led to positive developments in water quality and improved public health (closely linked to water). The plant also houses the oldest pumping station in the Montreal water supply network. [2]
Preserving our water heritage also involves raising awareness of the need to protect the resource, as well as teaching the scientific concepts behind the processes used to obtain drinking water or treat wastewater.
Registering an infrastructure such as the Atwater Filtration Plant as a heritage site is in line with C.I.EAU’s commitment to raising awareness, as it continues its work with school, municipal and family audiences, offering fun and educational services and experiences.
Sources
[1] https://www.patrimoine-culturel.gouv.qc.ca/rpcq/detail.do?methode=consulter&id=216801&type=bien
[2] https://www.patrimoine-culturel.gouv.qc.ca/rpcq/detail.do?methode=consulter&id=216801&type=bien