Epcor starts spring runoff routine to prevent 'earthy' smelling water
As the snow melts away in Edmonton, water treatment plants in the city are getting ready to handle streams and extra sediment making its way into the river.
Epcor has started preparations for spring runoff and is reminding Edmontonians that seasonal changes to their tap water are safe and temporary.
The North Saskatchewan Watershed is surrounded by agricultural land, forests and wetlands and each spring the snowmelt brings an influx of vegetation, sediment and organic matter that can affect the qualities of the water coming into the city.
The extra organic materials can cause tap water to smell musty or earthy, Epcor said, but does not affect the quality or drinkability.
"Ideally, and quite frankly probably the most typical, is our customers won't see any changes in the treated water quality. You won't even know something happened," said Jamie Gingrich, senior manager of water treatment plant operation at Epcor.
He said spring runoff can be particularly challenging to treat because of the amount of organic matter that comes from snowpack in agricultrural areas further upstream in the water shed and when that water is chlorinated, it can cause it to smell or taste slightly different.
"It's very short lived, it can happen every year. It's normal," he added. "At the end of the day, the water remains safe to drink and that's priority one for us."
To try and lessen the impact of runoff, the utility provider said several measures are in place and will remain so until the river's condition stabilizes.
Upstream, Epcor said watershed specialists are monitoring the North Saskatchewan River, and at the Rossdale Water Treatment Plant, testing is taking place more regularly for any factors that could affect water quality.
Epcor has also enlisted the help of more than 300 Edmontonians through the Spring Home Analysis Runoff Program to report the smell and taste of their tap water daily until the end of April.
If people are experiencing a slight odour or taste during runoff, Epcor suggests filtering water or adding some lemon slices. If the taps have been off for more than six hours, running the cold water for at least three minutes (or until it's cold) can help.
Other than a mild smell or taste, tap water should appear normal. Gingrich said anyone who sees a change in their water's appearance, or has concerns about a change not related to spring runoff, should contact Epcor at 780-412-4500.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
B.C.'s short-term rental regulations include $10K daily penalties for Airbnb, other platforms
Short-term rental platforms that violate B.C.'s pending regulations can face administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day, officials announced Thursday.