Same river, different water: Why North Battleford has avoided Prince Albert’s water woes

Prince Albert residents have been dealing with yellowish, foul-smelling tap water for nearly two months as conditions change in the North Saskatchewan River, but North Battleford has so far avoided the same problems, despite drawing water from the same river.

North Battleford has also recorded increased turbidity and organic matter in the river this year because of elevated water levels and flows, although the city said the conditions are consistent with years that see increased rainfall and snowmelt.

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Despite those changes, the city said it has received no increase in complaints this summer about the taste, smell or colour of drinking water.

Prince Albert residents have shared images on social media showing discoloured tap water amid ongoing concerns about its colour, taste and odour. (Submitted to paNOW)

North Battleford attributed the difference in part to its ability to draw drinking water from both groundwater wells and surface water from the North Saskatchewan River. It said that combination has helped prevent those concerns seen in communities that rely more heavily on a single water source.

“Having access to both sources provides additional flexibility when river conditions are evolving,” the city said in a written response to battlefordsNOW.

How much water North Battleford draws from each source changes from day to day. The city said it depends on factors including which of its two reservoirs is being used, community water demand, well maintenance and water-main breaks.

Prince Albert first acknowledged its water issue on June 30, saying river conditions had resulted in higher levels of naturally occurring organic matter entering the treatment process. The city has maintained the water is safe to drink, even as residents have continued to report concerns.

North Battleford operators have also made an adjustment because of this year’s river conditions. The city said its operations department has “minimally increased the level of fluorine in its water supply to address the conditions of the river this year.”

The city conducts regular water testing as required by the provincial Water Security Agency, and said that monitoring is intended to identify potential issues before they become noticeable to residents.

When asked whether North Battleford could experience the type of prolonged water-quality concerns affecting Prince Albert and what conditions could cause residents to notice changes at their taps, the city did not identify a specific scenario.

Instead, it pointed to “ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and equipment upgrades to ensure reliable operations and consistently high-quality drinking water. These measures help maintain the water’s taste, colour, and odour.”

The city said both its main water treatment plant and the F.E. Holliday Water Treatment Plant are equipped to respond to varying water conditions. Long-term capital needs, including major upgrades to the two facilities, are identified through the city’s 10-year capital plan and considered during the annual budget process.

If a water-quality issue does arise, the city said it has communication protocols in place to inform the public and provide guidance on any action residents may need to take.