Prince Albert residents frustrated as water concerns persist into August

“All testing confirms that Prince Albert’s drinking water remains safe and continues to meet — and exceed — applicable provincial drinking water quality standards,” the City said at the time.

But complaints from residents have continued through the summer, with many frustrated about the unpleasant taste and smell. One resident said the water had discoloured their bathtub, while another said they were surprised the water issues were still occurring in the middle of summer.

At the Purified Water Store in Prince Albert, owner Melissa Phillips said she has noticed more new customers since the issues began. Some have told her they’re avoiding the use of tap water for drinking or cooking, despite it being safe to do so.

The water quality has also affected her own operations.

“I’ve had to replace filters sooner than normally expected,” Phillips said of her purifying equipment.

She estimates the filters needed replacing about eight weeks before they normally would.

Some of the images Prince Albert residents have posted to social media showing the colour of their tap water. (Image Credit: Submitted)

In response to questions from paNOW about the ongoing concerns, an email on behalf of Acting Director of Public Works Tim Earing said the City is monitoring the source water, treated water and distribution system.

“We will provide an update if further information becomes available.”

There was no indication whether changes have or could be made to the treatment process specifically to address taste and odour concerns.

Helen Baulch from the University of Saskatchewan School of Environment and Sustainability and Global Institute for Water Security explained colour and odour are often considered ‘aesthetic objectives.’

“So, [they] do not reflect direct health risks. At the same time, they can affect peoples’ trust in drinking water,” she said, adding if people find the water unappealing, they may shift to bottled water.

With climate change impacts, she said there are more new problems affecting water utilities, and they take time and money to solve.

“The challenge can be that when new problems pop up, the treatment systems may not be designed to fully address them.”

The City has previously said the treatment processes are adjusted as river conditions change and that water quality is tested by certified operators and independently verified through accredited laboratories.

For residents, however, the assurances about safety have not eliminated concerns about the water coming from their taps.

One resident described the smell as “horrific” and said they were “sick of this.”

The City continues to ask residents experiencing problems to report them through its Report a Concern portal using the keyword “WATER – Water Condition,” or by calling the Solutions Hub at 306-953-4884.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

Prince Albert residents frustrated as water concerns persist into August

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