City Confirms Drinking Water Remains Safe

Since the weekend of August 16, the City has received reports from residents of a slight earthy or musty odour when running cold water from their taps. The City’s Water Treatment Plant has collected water samples for further testing. Based on the results to date, the City can confirm that the water remains safe to drink.

Earthy or musty tastes and odours can occur due to seasonal changes in naturally occurring organic matter and biological activity in surface water sources such as rivers and lakes. The reported odour is consistent with naturally occurring compounds in the source water, but the specific cause has not yet been confirmed. Additional testing is underway. Based on testing and monitoring completed to date, the reported odour does not affect the safety of the water.

The North Saskatchewan River is the City of Prince Albert’s source of drinking water. Since spring, the river has experienced unusual water-quality conditions, including elevated levels of turbidity, colour and naturally occurring organic matter. These conditions were particularly pronounced in July, when the river was significantly cloudier and darker than normal.

“Conditions in the river have improved in August, but they remain outside what we consider normal for this time of year. Despite more challenging source-water conditions, our multi-barrier treatment system continues to effectively treat the water,” says Rinkesh Patil, Water Treatment Manager. “The odour is consistent with elevated levels of naturally occurring organic matter and seasonal biological activity in the river. Similar conditions are being observed at our Water Treatment Plant and at other upstream treatment facilities. This is supported by our organic sampling results, increased chlorine demand, and other water-quality parameters we routinely monitor.”

Why does the water smell musty?

Earthy or musty tastes and odours may develop due to natural biological processes and changes in the organic matter present in surface water. These odours can sometimes be noticeable even at very low concentrations.

Such conditions can be influenced by warmer temperatures and seasonal changes in the river. They are more commonly observed during the warmer months, including late summer and early fall, and generally subside as source-water conditions change.

Similar earthy or musty odours can occur in other communities that rely on rivers, lakes, or other surface-water sources for their drinking water.

What can residents do?

Residents who notice an earthy or musty odour may find the following helpful:

• Chill drinking water in the refrigerator or add ice.
• Add a slice of lemon or a small amount of lemon juice.
• Use a drinking-water carbon filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the odour is noticeable only at one faucet, check the sink drain, as odours can sometimes originate there rather than in the water itself.

The City continues to monitor source water, treated water and the distribution system. Residents can continue to drink and use their tap water as usual.

Residents experiencing water concerns beyond the earthy or musty odour described above are asked to report the issue through the City’s online reporting portal at srportal.citypa.ca/public. This includes significant or persistent discolouration or other changes in the water’s appearance, taste or odour. When submitting a report, please use the keyword “Water Condition.”

For more information, contact:

Tim Earing
Acting Director, Public Works
306.953.4884