The Municipality is committed to maintaining high standards of potable water in our region. Here’s how we do that:
Water treatment and regular testing
To maintain high standards of water quality in our region, we use treatment processes that exceed both federal and provincial guidelines.
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 our 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 about water quality
| Is our region's tap water safe to drink? |
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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? |
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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? |
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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? |
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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? |
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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? |
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According to Health Canada, there are no known health effects from water hardness. |
| What if I have a compromised immune system? |
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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? |
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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? |
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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? |
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Regular Infrastructure maintenance
To ensure out water and wastewater systems continue to operate smoothly, we perform infrastructure maintenance projects like regular Hydrant Flushing.
Lead Management
The Municipality regularly tests for lead and other substances in the region’s water distribution system, and results have consistently shown that lead concentration is well below the limit established by federal and provincial legislation. However, testing at the customer’s tap through the Lead Management Program provides further opportunity to ensure that we continue to provide the highest quality of drinking water in our region.