Debris on the North Saskatchewan River. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

River Conditions

P.A.’s Water Treatment Plant monitoring high levels and debris on North Saskatchewan River

Jun 27, 2023 | 1:41 PM

Staff at Prince Albert’s Water Treatment Plant are keeping a close eye on the North Saskatchewan River.

This is because levels have increased by around two metres due to a large storm that hit the Edmonton area last week. It took all the excess water several days to reach the P.A. area.

People may also notice a lot of debris floating on the river. This is stream foam that’s formed by dissolved organic matter (DOC) such as sticks, leaves, tannins, and watershed soils.

“Natural foam build-up is more prevalent in streams and rivers after rainfall because more water is moving through the ground, and more organic matter is being dissolved,” read a statement from the City of P.A. “With higher water, more turbulent conditions form bubbles, and the DOC attaches to these, forming foam at the surface.”

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Since the area’s drinking water comes from the river, the Water Treatment Plant’s Operational Staff are monitoring the quality and making any adjustments to the treatment process to ensure it’s safe for people to drink and use.

In the meantime, the City of P.A. and the Water Security Agency (WSA) are asking people to stay away from the river. The Kistahpinanihk Paddling Club has already canceled its upcoming activities due to the conditions.

Levels on the river are expected to drop again closer to the Nipawin area as reservoirs downstream at Codette Lake and Tobin Lake will be lowered by SaskPower to help absorb the high flows.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow