THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL

algae blooms start. This year is an exception.

Because of the unusual early algae bloom, staff at the BPWTP have been adding powdered activated carbon to the water for the past week. However, this measure is temporary and not as effective as the GAC filters.

The BPWTP is currently undergoing a $325 million renewal. Construction is expected to be complete by 2025. One of the improvements the finished renewal project will add is the ability for the plant to effectively control taste and odour year-round.

For now, to keep construction on schedule, the water treatment plant has had to shorten the duration in which GAC filtration can be used. The GACs were removed from service in November 2022 just prior to another unusual taste and odour event resulting from the decay of large amounts of algae and weeds that grew in Buffalo Pound Lake the previous summer season. That odour event lasted about 6 weeks, although relatively few customers noticed enough of a difference to complain.

The BPWTP reassured customers that complaints about water quality are always investigated to ensure the water meets regulatory standards. Staff are eagerly anticipating the 2025 upgrade completion date that will allow year-round taste and odour consistency.