Water Treatment & Management
Our dedicated staff plays a crucial role in our town's infrastructure, ensuring the efficient operation of our wastewater systems, which include 12 lift stations and 90 km of pipe leading to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Wastewater Treatment
Before reaching High River's central lift station, wastewater travels via a network of 12 neighbourhood lift stations and 90 kilometres of gravity and force mains. From there, the Town's Water Treatment Plant functions as a multi-barrier system, commencing with the introduction of well water to the plant. The treatment process then unfolds as water progresses through charcoal filters, UV treatment, cleaning chemicals, and resting stations. Upon the addition of chlorine, the treated water is directed to the clear well, poised for distribution into the High River system.
Wastewater System
Collection
The Town’s wastewater collection system is comprised of 12 sanitary lift stations and 90 kilometres of gravity and force mains. Wastewater flows from each neighbourhood into the lift station, where it is then pumped to the Town’s main lift station. From the main lift station, the wastewater is then pumped to the Town’s wastewater treatment plant.
Treatment
The Town’s wastewater treatment plant is an aerated lagoon system. Aeration is the primary treatment method. Once the wastewater is treated, it is pumped to the final discharge point at Frank Lake.
The Towns Wastewater system is operated by highly trained certified operators. All environmental regulations are strictly adhered to.
Contact Information
Call 403.652.4657 or email operations@highriver.ca for:
- Water & sewer service concerns
- If you need a water meter or suspect a problem with your current meter
- To report a suspected water leak or sewer disruption
Clean Water
Drinking water is tested and monitored in accordance with provincial requirements and accepted industry standards to ensure that the water consistently meets all Health Canada and Government of Alberta regulations.
Town Water Testing - Quarterly Water Samples Reports
2024 Quarterly Water Samples* (PDFs)
*The Town of High River complies with Alberta Environment and Parks safe drinking water regulations and legislation for municipalities. See the FAQ HERE.
| January 4, 2024 (date reported) 4th Quarter Water Sample Results for 2023 (date received, Nov 29, 2023) | |
| March 8, 2024 (date reported) 1st Quarter, 2024 (date received February 26, 2024) |
Boil Water Advisories
If the Town issues a boil water advisory, affected residents will be notified through the Town website, social media, local media, outdoor signage or direct letters, depending on the number of impacted residents.
If the Town has issued a boil water advisory, please review safety tips.
Lead Management Water Sampling Program Information
April 2022 Update: Lead Sampling Results Well Below Safe Limit
Thanks to residents who participated in the province’s required lead water sampling program for towns across Alberta. Town staff appreciated the patience of all volunteers during the past years with all the challenges involved in obtaining home water samples.
- Results of required lead water sampling for High River show results WELL BELOW THE SAFE LIMIT.
- Anyone still wishing to volunteer and have a sample of their home water tested is invited to contact operations@highriver.ca.
Background: In 2019, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) and Environment Canada shared guidelines about possible lead hazards in drinking water. These guidelines required municipalities to assess lead hazards that may be caused by older underground pipes that carry water into homes.
The Town assessed the water source to assure the community that our water supply is safe. Based on records, we want you to know that there are not many if any, lead service lines in High River. We confirmed that the system is not creating leads or sending leads to the tap. In most cases, lead at the tap will be a result of lead pipes and older plumbing fixtures.
To Flush? Or Not to Flush?
Misuse of our sewer system damages lift station pumps, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs. Eventually, non-flushable items end up in the lagoon system and affect the water treatment process by adding unwanted volume to the lagoons. This results in significant and costly cleaning processes.
No one wants sewer backs ups! Remember the toilet is not for waste disposal. Flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper will cause plugs in the sanitary system.
Flush the Following:
- Human waste
- Toilet paper
Do Not Flush the Following:
- Wet Wipes/baby wipes
- Rags
- Diapers
- Dental Floss
- Gauze
- Clothing
- Feminine hygiene products (including plastic applicators)
- Old prescription drugs (bring to a pharmacy for safe disposal)
- Toys
- Grease from cooking
- Prophylactics (condoms
We're here to help, contact us!
640 7 Street N.W. High River, Alberta
Public Works Office: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday / Recycling: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, 7 days a week (Closed on statutory holidays)
operations@highriver.ca
403-652-4657
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