North Battleford adjusts water production to address taste concerns

North Battleford is relying more on groundwater to reduce an earthy taste and smell in its drinking water, which city officials say remains safe to drink.

Stewart Schafer, the city’s director of operations, told council staff have increased production at the No. 1 plant, which draws water from underground, and reduced production at the plant that treats river water.

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The change is intended to reduce the amount of geosmin entering the drinking water supply from the North Saskatchewan River. The naturally occurring compound, produced by certain algae and microorganisms, can affect taste and odour even at very low concentrations.

“Our plant really doesn’t correct or filter that out,” Schafer said when asked whether the issue had been corrected.

Residents described lake-like or fishy smells in social media posts, as battlefordsNOW reported on Sept. 4.

Mayor Kelli Hawtin told council she believed the city had received only a handful of complaints. She said the matter had also been discussed with the Water Security Agency at a water committee meeting that week.

“It is purely aesthetic; it’s safe to drink,” Hawtin said, recounting the agency’s words.

Schafer linked the taste to warm water in the North Saskatchewan River and rainfall flowing in from Alberta lakes.

Residents of Prince Albert have reported similar concerns for months. That city also draws its drinking water from the North Saskatchewan River.