Heavy summer rains blamed for odour, taste issues in city water

Neither is toxic to humans, but people are very sensitive to geosmin and can detect it in tiny amounts. Geosmin is the primary culprit in Prince Albert’s water supply at the moment.

“If you poured a teaspoon of the compound into the equivalent of 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools, you would still be able to smell it,” reads a dedicated page on the city’s website created to help address public concerns.

Both compounds are more detectable when water is warm or heated and become less noticeable when it cools or after they dissipate naturally. This is why people have noticed the problem more when they run hot water for a shower or bath, or use it for hot beverages.

“Geosmin is an aesthetic concern only and is not considered a health risk,” the report reads.

Turbidity and discolouration of the water is caused by heavy rain, but is not connected to the organic compounds. It is the result of increased sediment being washed from shore into the river, where it is picked up by the city’s water system.

Public Works said 2026 has been a challenging year because of the amount of rain, but conditions are improving as of early September. As the weather cools, the issues are expected to improve even more.

To help mitigate both smell and colour, water treatment plant operators have been using powdered activated carbon and are adjusting coagulant, potassium permanganate and polymer dosages based on river conditions and lab results.

Representatives from the Water Security Agency and SaskHealth have been to the water treatment plant to learn more.

Within the city water system, samples have shown severe discolouration at Johnson Crescent. While still present, the issue was less severe in the sample taken on Steuart Avenue.

The report said the samples indicate that, in the two testing locations with stronger discolouration, it likely comes from pipes releasing accumulated rust, sediment and mineral deposits.

While the water is safe to drink, households with extremely discoloured water should contact the city for further direction.

A suggestion from Coun. Dan Brown to offer city water account holders some financial relief will also be part of Monday’s city council discussion. Some councillors have already opposed the idea, saying one month of water-bill forgiveness could cost the city well over $1 million.

Council meets on Monday at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Heavy summer rains blamed for odour, taste issues in city water

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