The Town of Drumheller is aware of the recent concerns regarding our water's visual appearance and odour in some parts of the Valley. We want to assure residents that our water is safe to drink and fully meets the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and municipal waterworks standards set by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

Crews are investigating the causes of these concerns through continuous testing of both the raw and treated water. These tests aim to identify potential factors contributing to the unusual appearance and odour and to inform possible treatment solutions.

As a community that relies on surface water from the Red Deer River, the Town’s water treatment system is influenced by seasonal changes in water quality. Variations in flow and the broader impacts of a changing environment can affect the composition of the raw water entering the treatment plant. To manage these variations, the Town utilizes four (4) raw water reservoirs on the north side of the river. These reservoirs help regulate demand and provide limited pre-treatment before the water enters the treatment facility.

The Town’s water treatment plant uses a multi-barrier approach, including suspended solids removal, filtration, ultraviolet (UV) treatment, and chlorination to ensure water quality. These processes are closely monitored to ensure the water meets all regulatory standards for safety.

Additionally, the Town conducts weekly bacteriological testing throughout the piped water areas of Drumheller to monitor for indicator organisms. These samples are sent to a provincial lab for analysis, and we are pleased to report that all tests to date have been passed.

While we continue to investigate the visual and odour issues, we want to reassure the community that the water is fully potable and safe for all uses. We understand the importance of clean, clear water, and we are working to resolve these concerns as quickly as possible.

We also invite residents to visit the Town's water treatment plant for an informative tour. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the complexities of water treatment and gain firsthand insight. Please contact the Town’s Utilities Department at infrastructure@drumheller.ca or call 403-823-1330.

Utilities staff will also be happy to answer any questions at the March 5, 2025 Public Information Open House being held at the Badlands Community Facility (BCF). Should there be sufficient interest, the Town may plan additional tours during April's Water Week this year.