The Aqua 7 Regional Water Commission says it’s still working on long-term solutions to address ongoing water discolouration and odour issues affecting several communities in the region.
The system supplies water to Beiseker, Irricana, Acme, Linden, Carbon and parts of Kneehill and Rocky View counties.
In a March 21 update posted by the Village of Beiseker to its social media page Monday, the commission said elevated manganese levels in treated water from the Town of Drumheller — combined with legacy deposits in the transmission line — have led to recurring discolouration events.
Odour concerns have been linked to Geosmin, a naturally occurring compound that is detectable at low levels but does not pose a health risk.
"Geosmin is harmless and does not require further treatment from a health standpoint," the commission said. "However, the human nose can detect it in the water supply at a very low level.”
The water is tested regularly, and the commission said it continues to meet all regulatory requirements. Any exceedances, such as elevated manganese, are reported to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, with Alberta Health Services involved in further assessments when necessary.
Over the past year, the commission has reviewed several treatment options but said the proposals have been "financially prohibitive with no guarantee of success." It is now exploring additional filtration methods.
"The Aqua 7 Regional Water Commission understands the frustration that recent and more frequent events cause," the update stated. "We are continuing to upgrade infrastructure, as well as identify and implement solutions to minimize future disruptive events."
The Town of Drumheller is also working to address the presence of Geosmin in its treated supply, the commission said.
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