Unusual, but safe: Water Treatment Plant says tap water still good

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant (BPWTP) has issued a notice reassuring any residents of Moose Jaw or Regina who have noticed differences in the taste and smell of their tap water — it might be unusual, but it is safe to drink and meets all regulatory requirements.

The BPWTP has a Q&A posted on their website explaining the twice-a-year phenomenon, but has also issued an advisory this spring because of a significant early season algae bloom in Buffalo Pound Lake.

Buffalo Pound Lake is the source water for Regina’s and Moose Jaw’s drinking water. From May to November, the BPWTP uses granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration to remove taste and odour from the water. During the winter, when taste and odour are less of a concern, the GAC is removed from the treatment process and regenerated.

Twice a year, after the changeovers in November and May, there are a number of customers who notice the difference. Fortunately, while there might be a period of adjustment, the water continues to be safe to use and drink.

The plant’s GAC filters have completed their regeneration process as of May 1, and staff at the BPWTP are currently preparing to reactivate the GAC system during the week of May 15.

Normally, the plant noted in its release, the GAC filters go into operation in late May — typically well before