Conditions at the Town of Stettler’s water treatment plant this fall contributed to a wave of taste & odor complaints.
In a report to council on Nov. 18, plant staff noted that algaecide feeds had been shut down for the season.
When reports from residents about the water came in, operators restarted those systems.
On Oct. 10, the plant also switched its raw water intake from the reservoir to the river.
Testing afterwards suggested algae levels in the reservoir were relatively low when the intake change was made.
However, staff noted the reservoir saw significant aquatic weed growth over the summer.
Operators believe the water in the reservoir may also have “flipped” as temperatures dropped, bringing bottom water to the surface.
At the same time, the plant encountered a separate mechanical issue. A trim injection quill became scaled over, throwing chlorine & ammonia feeds out of balance.
Treated water nitrate levels rose as a result, contributing to a drop in chlorine levels in the town reservoir.
The report noted elevated nitrate levels can also intensify taste & odor problems when combined with a reservoir turnover.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
