For Okotoks, this milestone is a clear sign the future is starting to flow.

The Town of Okotoks and Foothills County marked a milestone Thursday in the Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project, celebrating the completion of about 25 kilometres of watermain and the start of interim seasonal water delivery to Okotoks.

Town, county, regional and provincial representatives gathered for a ceremonial valve turning as water from the new pipeline began flowing in Okotoks.

The new line connects an interim well on the intake lands to the Okotoks Water Treatment Plant. It will provide limited seasonal water while work continues on the remaining parts of the regional system.

Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn said the project reflects cooperation between municipalities on a shared regional issue. She said water supply has been a recurring topic for council since she was first elected in 2013, with multiple options and challenges considered over the years.

Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson said the region has dealt with water constraints for decades, affecting growth, investment, businesses and families. He said the province has committed more than $30.2 million to the project, with another $5.8 million provided through the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Foothills County Deputy Reeve Suzanne Oel said the county is working on another part of the system known as Pipe D, and that its water treatment plant is expected to come online this summer. She said the broader regional project is expected to expand water service to additional areas as it is completed.