Cost of Hamilton's new water treatment plant leaps

A planned upgrade of Hamilton's water treatment plant could cost nearly $15 million - three times more than first thought.

The council wants to fast-track the upgrade of the Glenview plant after drinking water was fouled by river algae last summer.

A final financial report is expected in December.

Before the algal bloom problem, the council was looking at a $5 million powder-activated carbon plant to treat taste and odour problems.

But that was now considered an inadequate long-term solution.

The extra cost would come from providing an ozonation plant which was more reliable in removing toxins.