Close Alert Banner
Learn More
Skip to Content

RMWB Logo RMWB Logo

Contact Us Mobile Site Menu
Contact Us
  • Business and Development
    • Procurement
    • Business Services and Support
    • Development and Planning
    • Downtown Revitalization
    • Flood Recovery
    • Maps
    • Permits and Resources
    • Safety Codes Permits
  • Bylaw and Animal Services
    • Animal Services
    • Bylaws
    • Community Standards
    • Parking
    • Report an Issue
    • Automated Traffic Enforcement
    • Taxi Cabs
  • Community Services and Social Support
    • Cemeteries
    • Grants and Funding
    • Homelessness and Housing
    • Seniors' Services and Programs
    • Social Support Services
    • Victim Services
  • Employment
    • Current Opportunities
    • Firefighter and Paramedic Recruitment
    • Human Resources
  • Events and Involvement
    • 2022 Arctic Winter Games
    • Boards and Committees
    • Event Permits
    • MAC Calendar
    • Mayor's Advisory Council on Youth (MACOY)
    • Winterplay 2021
    • Wood Buffalo Volunteers
  • Fire, Police and Emergency Services
    • 9-1-1
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Emergency Alerts
    • Emergency Medical Services
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Fire Codes and Permits
    • Fire Departments
    • Fire Prevention and Safety
    • FireSmart
    • Royal Canadian Mounted Police
    • Vulnerable Persons Registry
  • Garbage and Recycling
    • Collection Guidelines
    • Garbage and Recycling Calendar
    • Heavy Item Pickup
    • Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Disposal
    • Landfill
    • Pet Waste
    • Recycling Depots
    • Rural Waste Collection
    • Yard Waste Collection
  • Indigenous and Rural Communities
    • Anzac
    • Conklin
    • Draper
    • Fort Chipewyan
    • Fort Fitzgerald
    • Fort McKay
    • Fort McMurray
    • Gregoire Lake Estates
    • Janvier
    • Saprae Creek Estates
    • Rural Bus Schedules and Fees
    • Truth and Reconciliation
  • Mayor, Council and Administration
    • Accountability and Transparency
    • Boards and Committees
    • Bylaws
    • Contact Us
    • Council
    • Elections
    • Mayor
    • Plans, Reports and Studies
    • Policies
  • Parks and Recreation
    • Parks and Facilities Map
    • Adopt-a-Rink
    • Adopt-a-Trail or Roadway
    • Communities in Bloom
    • Community Cleanup
    • Facility Rentals
    • Off-Highway Vehicles
    • Parks, Trails and Green Spaces
    • Trees
  • Property Taxes
    • Assessments
    • Change of Address Form
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Non-Profit Organization Tax Exemptions
    • Paying Property Taxes
    • Property tax sale
    • Rural Small Business Tax Class
    • School Support
    • Tax Rates
    • Tax Refund Requests
  • Pulse
  • Roads and Construction
    • Automated Traffic Enforcement
    • Construction Map
    • Draper Slope Stability Reports
    • Parking
    • Route/Haul Permits
    • Snow Plowing and Removal
    • Street Sweeping
    • Winter Roads
  • Transit
    • Bike and Ride
    • Fares and Passes
    • Routes and Schedules
    • Rural Bus Schedules and Fees
    • School Transit Service
    • Specialized Transit
    • Statutory Holidays Schedule
    • Transit News and Alerts
  • Utilities and Water
    • Billing
    • Bulk Water
    • Change of Address Form
    • Commercial Services
    • Fat, Oil and Grease
    • Open or Close a Utility Account
    • Responsible Sewer Use
    • Rural Water & Sewer Service
    • Sewer Backups
    • Water Conservation
    • Water Metering
    • Water Quality
HomeUtilities and WaterWater Quality
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn Pinterest
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Email this page Email

Water Quality

The Municipality is committed to maintaining high standards of potable water. Our treatment process exceeds both federal and provincial guidelines to ensure we deliver quality service to our residents.

Water quality is measured by its:

  • Chemical attributes: nutrients, minerals, metals and organic compounds
  • Physical attributes: turbidity, temperature and total dissolved solids
  • Biological attributes: e-coli, total and fecal coliforms

All municipal treatment facilities use the multiple barrier treatment approach. This consists of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. This process is proven, reliable and robust.

Online analyses and grab samples are monitored continuously. Bacteriological samples are sent to the Public Health Lab in Edmonton on a regular basis.

Frequently asked questions

Is our region's tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Water from our water treatment plants meet and exceed both Alberta Environment Standards and the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines. The RMWB collects daily water samples from sites throughout the distribution system. These samples are tested at the provincial Public Health Lab.

Why is my tap water sometimes discoloured?

Some organic and inorganic material in our source water can cause discolouration. The water treatment process removes most of the colour. At time when levels of organic and inorganic material are higher (often in spring and autumn), there can be some discolouration in the water. Tap water is safe to drink even if it is slightly discoloured.

Why does my water taste and smell like chlorine?

During the water treatment process, chlorine is added to disinfect the water and keep it free from harmful organisms. Some conditions, like spring runoff, can affect the quality of our source water. During such times, we adjust the water treatment process to ensure the water is safe to consume. At these times you may notice a chlorine taste or smell in your water.

Why does my water have a milky or cloudy appearance?

Air bubbles in water can sometimes cause a milky or cloudy appearance. The water will clear if it sits and the air bubbles dissipate. The bubbles pose no health risk.

What is water hardness?

Water hardness is water that has high mineral content. There is calcium and magnesium in both ground and surface water sources.

Can hard water cause health effects?

According to Health Canada, there are no known health effects from water hardness.

What if I have a compromised immune system?

Some residents with severely compromised immune systems may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than those without. These individuals should seek advice about drinking water from their health care provider.

Is bottled water better than tap water?

Bottled water is valuable in emergency situations. High-quality bottled water may be a desirable option for people with weakened immune systems. However, it is not necessarily safer than your tap water, and costs much more than tap water.

Tap water provided by public water systems is regularly tested. Consumers who choose to purchase bottled water should carefully read the label to understand what they are buying.

What about home water treatment units?

People do not need to treat drinking water that is supplied by the municipality. A home water treatment unit can improve the water's taste or provide an extra margin of safety for people with weakened immune systems. People who choose to purchase a home water treatment unit should carefully read its product information to understand what they are buying. Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance, especially changing the filter on a regular basis.

Where does our water come from?

  • Fort McMurray and Anzac – Athabasca River
  • Fort MacKay – Ells River
  • Janvier – Christina River
  • Conklin – Christina Lake
Utilities and Water
  • Billing
  • Bulk Water
  • Change of Address Form
  • Commercial Services
  • Fat, Oil and Grease
    Toggle Section Fat, Oil and Grease Menu
    • Commercial Business FOG Program
  • Open or Close a Utility Account
  • Responsible Sewer Use
  • Rural Water & Sewer Service
  • Sewer Backups
  • Water Conservation
  • Water Metering
  • Water Quality
    Toggle Section Water Quality Menu
    • Hydrant Flushing

Contact us

Never miss an update!

Subscribe to this page to get notified when this page has updated content.

Notify Me
Services
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • X
  • Y
  • Z

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo footer logo

Contact Us

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
9909 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray Alberta T9H 2K4

Phone: 780-743-7000

Toll free: 1-800-973-9663

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Website Resources

  • Access to Information and Privacy
  • Pay Bills Online
  • Sitemap
  • Social Media
  • Website Feedback

Copyright © 2020

Designed by eSolutionsGroup

Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.