The City of Prince Albert says its drinking water remains safe for consumption after residents reported an earthy or musty smell from cold-water taps, prompting additional testing at the municipal Water Treatment Plant.
Reports of the unusual odour have been received since the weekend of August 16. While the city is continuing to investigate the precise cause, testing and monitoring completed so far indicate the issue does not pose a drinking-water safety concern.
Seasonal Conditions Affect North Saskatchewan River Water Quality
Prince Albert draws its drinking water from the North Saskatchewan River, where water-quality conditions have been unusual since the spring. Municipal officials have recorded elevated turbidity, colour and naturally occurring organic matter in the river.
Those conditions became particularly noticeable in July, when the river appeared significantly cloudier and darker than is typical.
Although conditions improved during August, the city said they remain outside the normal range expected at this point in the summer. The municipality’s treatment system, however, continues to process the source water effectively.
“Conditions in the river have improved in August, but they remain outside what we consider normal for this time of year. Despite more challenging source-water conditions, our multi-barrier treatment system continues to effectively treat the water,” says Rinkesh Patil, Water Treatment Manager. “The odour is consistent with elevated levels of naturally occurring organic matter and seasonal biological activity in the river. Similar conditions are being observed at our Water Treatment Plant and at other upstream treatment facilities. This is supported by our organic sampling results, increased chlorine demand, and other water-quality parameters we routinely monitor.”
The city said its findings to date are consistent with naturally occurring compounds in the source water. Additional testing is underway to determine the specific cause of the smell.
Why Prince Albert Tap Water May Smell Earthy or Musty
Natural Biological Activity Can Affect Taste and Odour
Earthy or musty tastes and smells can develop when natural biological processes and the amount or composition of organic matter in surface water change.
Such compounds can sometimes be detected by people even when present at very low concentrations. Their presence does not necessarily indicate that water is unsafe.
Warmer temperatures and seasonal changes in rivers can also contribute to the issue. These conditions are more frequently observed during warmer periods, particularly in late summer and early fall, before typically subsiding as temperatures and source-water conditions change.
Prince Albert is not alone in experiencing such seasonal effects. Communities that depend on rivers, lakes and other surface-water sources can encounter similar temporary changes in the taste or smell of treated drinking water.
Based on the testing conducted so far, Prince Albert officials said the odour being reported does not affect the safety of the municipal water supply.
City Offers Tips for Residents Experiencing Water Odour
Residents who find the earthy or musty smell noticeable can take several simple measures. The city recommends chilling drinking water in the refrigerator or adding ice, which may make the odour less noticeable.
Adding a slice of lemon or a small amount of lemon juice may also help. Residents can alternatively use a drinking-water carbon filter, provided it is installed, maintained and replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the smell occurs only at one faucet, residents are encouraged to check the associated sink drain. In some cases, an odour may originate from the drain rather than from the municipal water supply.
Water Monitoring and Testing Continue
The city is continuing to monitor water quality at several stages, including the North Saskatchewan River source water, treated drinking water and the municipal distribution system. Residents can continue drinking and using their tap water normally while the additional testing proceeds.
Officials are also asking residents to report water concerns that go beyond the earthy or musty smell currently under investigation. These can include significant or persistent discolouration or other noticeable changes in the water’s appearance, taste or odour.
Reports can be submitted through the City of Prince Albert’s online reporting portal. Residents submitting a report are asked to use the keyword “Water Condition.”
The ongoing monitoring is intended to track changing river conditions and ensure the municipal treatment system continues to provide drinking water that meets safety requirements despite seasonal variations in the North Saskatchewan River.