Strathcona County is committed to providing safe, clean and reliable water to residents. Water in Strathcona County meets or exceeds the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality as set out by Health Canada.

Strathcona County receives water from the North Saskatchewan River. It originates at the Saskatchewan Glacier in the Rocky Mountains, 500 km southwest of Edmonton. Drinking water in the County is treated at EPCOR's E.L Smith Water Treatment Plant in Edmonton. EPCOR Water publishes monthly water quality reports.

Strathcona County also regularly tests the drinking water. The results are published on the Alberta Environment website.

Common water quality terms

Chlorine
Chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water. The amount required depends on the impurities in the water. Chlorine residual is the low level of chlorine left in the water after it is disinfected. The chlorine residual provides additional protection from impurities as it flows through the pipes. Alberta’s guideline for chlorine residual is 0.2 mg/L – 4.0 mg/L.

Fluoride
Fluoride is added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay and promote dental health. Health Canada recommends a concentration of 0.7 mg/L. The North Saskatchewan river has about 0.15 mg/L of natural fluoride. EPCOR has been adding fluoride since 1967.

Turbidity
Turbidity is the measure of water clarity. High turbidity makes water cloudy. Small solid particles cause the liquid to be turbid. Canadian drinking water standard for turbidity is less than 5 NTUs.

Drinking water may occasionally appear cloudy. Cloudy water can be caused by tiny air bubbles in water. This is similar to gas bubbles in beer and carbonated soft drinks. After the water sits for a while the bubbles will disappear. This type of cloudiness occurs more often in the winter when drinking water is colder.

Flushing and maintenance

Strathcona County conducts regular flushing and maintenance of water lines. This removes sediment and increases water quality.

Flushing

Utilities staff clean the water mains through a process called flushing.

Flushing is a process where water is pushed through the pipes at a high speed to remove any build up that may be in the lines. The water is then released through fire hydrants. The materials being flushed are harmless and require no further treatment.

Strathcona County uses a method called unidirectional flushing which uses 40% less water than traditional flushing.

Most customers will not notice any changes in their water during flushing. Some homes may experience a brief drop in water pressure and/or cloudy cold water. This does not pose a health risk but if it does not clear up or pressure does not return to normal call 780-467-7785.

Rural flushing

Strathcona County started a rural flushing program in 2018. The process is similar to the flushing method in urban areas.

Chlorine disinfectant

As part of the water treatment process, chlorine is added to disinfect drinking water. The amount required depends on the impurities in the water. Chlorine residual is the low level of chlorine left in the water after it is disinfected. The chlorine residual provides additional protection from impurities as it flows through the pipes.

Temporary switch in disinfectant

Occasionally the water supply disinfectant is changed from total chlorine to free chlorine. This temporary disinfectant switch from total to free chlorine is used to remove excess ammonia, reduce or remove microorganism growth, and restore residual disinfectant levels to the desired amount in the water distribution system. This practice is used in several places across North America, especially in locations with warmer weather and longer distribution systems.

Customers may notice a stronger odour of chlorine during this process, but the water remains safe to drink. Customers will be notified in advance when a temporary switch in disinfectant is required in their area.