Tasked with replacing an end-of-life 72 kV Substation, the Water Security Agency chose to maximize the use of hot-dip galvanized components in its new substation for the East Side Pump Station.

The East Side Pump Station was constructed in the 1960s and lifts water from Lake Diefenbaker into the M1 Canal to feed an extensive network of irrigation works in central Saskatchewan. The stations original 72 kV substation was reaching end of life and slated for replacement.

The pump station runs 24/7 during the May to October irrigation season and cannot accommodate outages for corrosion repair and re-painting. Additionally, the new substation would be built over-winter from November to April when the bitterly cold winters common on the Canadian Prairies would prevent on-site painting and coating work.

As such, the Water Security Agency worked with the design engineer - Hatch - to maximize the use of hot-dip galvanized steel on site. In total 35 tons of galvanized steel was installed which included the superstructure and framing to support the overhead conductors and high voltage equipment, as well as ancillary items such as cable tray and chain-link security fencing.