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The City of Red Deer is committed to maintaining high standards for drinking water. During the spring, you may find that the colour, smell and taste of the water changes due to spring runoff. The water quality remains excellent during this time and is safe for all to use and enjoy.
Where does Red Deer get its drinking water supply?
The City of Red Deer uses the Red Deer River as a source of drinking water for its residents. The water is treated at the Water Treatment Plant before making its way into residents' taps.
What is spring runoff?
Spring runoff refers to the high water flowing in rivers and lakes when warmer temperatures cause the snow to melt. The higher than normal water levels can cause flooding in low-lying areas. The water from these flooded areas and from melting snow carries extra organic materials such as leaves and grasses, as well as mud and silt stirred up by increased water flows.
Why is the water discoloured in the spring?
Some of the organic material will stain the water, similar to the action of tea leaves. The treatment process removes most of this colour. However, in conditions where the level of colour is very high, some of the colour may be carried into the treated water. You may notice a slight discoloration in the water when filling sinks or tubs.
Why does the water taste and smell different in the spring?
The City of Red Deer uses surface water supply (Red Deer River) as a source of drinking water for its residents. All surface water supplies such as ours are susceptible to high turbidity and high organic loading during the annual spring snowmelt and runoff. These conditions give the raw water a disagreeable taste and odour.
The treatment process removes most of these tastes and odours; however, small amounts may remain after the treatment process. You may also notice a slight musty or earthy taste associated with spring runoff. The treated water from the tap is still completely safe to drink.
Is the water safe to drink year round?
Yes. The water that leaves the Red Deer Water Treatment Plant meets and exceeds all of the standards contained in the "Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines".
What chemicals does The City use to treat the drinking water in the spring?
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Aluminum salts are used to coagulate or "stick together" particles in the water. Fine sand and polymer are also added to help weight the coagulated particles and make them easier to remove by settling. Because the levels of organic material in the raw water are higher during spring runoff, coagulant doses are also increased to remove organic colour.
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Potassium permanganate is used in the spring to help oxidize some of the organic material in the untreated water.
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Powdered activated carbon is also used in the spring to help remove some of the compounds that contribute to bad tastes and odours. Particles in the water will adhere or stick to the surface of a carbon grain.
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Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in the water treatment process year round. While the amount of chlorine added in the spring is greater than at other times of the year, this additional chlorine is absorbed by organics in the untreated water. Therefore, the level of chlorine found in tap water remains the same year round. The tap water may have a slight chlorine smell in spring conditions, due to organics that have combined chemically with chlorine.
How long will the taste and smell last?
Each spring is different, but on average, runoff conditions will last between three to six weeks. Mountain runoff in late June and early July, can also cause runoff conditions if accompanied by heavy rainfall in the watershed.
What is the fluoride content in Red Deer's water?
For dental health reasons, The City of Red Deer and all Canadian water utilities add fluoride to the water. The fluoride content in Red Deer's water is 0.8 milligrams per litre. This is the guideline that is recommended by Health Canada.
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