Water and Waste Water System
Lead Management Update:
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic response lead testing is delayed but will resume in the future, in time to meet Provincial timelines. Information send to homeowners includes tips to manage water from your home tap.
- This letter was included in this month’s utility bill. Read it here: Lead Management Homeowner Letter – final
- Read the News Release HERE
READ THE FULL LETTER, INCLUDING TIPS AND LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION
Town of High River’s Water System
Water Source
High River’s water system is comprised of 15 GWUDI (ground water under the direct influence) wells located within the town. Each well is equipped with a submersible pump that allows water to be pumped to the Water Treatment Plant to be treated.
Treatment
The Town’s Water Treatment Plant is a multi barrier system. Once water from the wells is introduced to the plant the treatment process starts:
- A filter aid is added to ensure proper coagulation of the raw water.
- Water is then passed through filters. The filters consist of a dual media consisting of 12 inches of anthracite and 12 inches of charcoal.
- Once water is discharged from the filters it is passed through UV banks.
- After the UV process, chlorine is added to the water.
- The water is then sent into the reservoir for contact time (time needed to ensure that the chlorine has had the required time to disinfect the water. The reservoir also provides a supply of treated water for fire flows and demand from the distribution system.
- Water then flows into the clear well where it is ready to be pumped into the High River distribution system.
Chemicals Used
The only chemicals used for water treatment in High River are Sodium Hypochlorite 12% (chlorine) and Polyaluminumchloride (clearpac).
Distribution
The Town of High Rivers distribution system consists of four Hi Lift Vertical Turbine Pumps, 101 kilometres of water mains made from cast iron, AC, DI, and PVC, and 420 fire hydrants. Water is pumped from the water treatment plant at 65 psi to ensure proper pressure to users.
The Town’s waterworks system is operated by highly trained certified operators. All environmental regulations are strictly adhered to.
Drinking 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.
Current Bi-Annual Results: (October 29, 2020)
January 2021 Water Sampling Results (PDF)
- Total Alkalinity as CaC03 – 230.0 mg/l
- Hardness as CaC03 – 251 mg/l
- Fluoride – 0.14 mg/l
Residential Water Softeners can be programmed as per manufacturer’s specifications using the Current Bi-Annual Results listed
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 these safety tips.
Wastewater System
Collection
The Town’s wastewater collection system is comprised of 12 sanitary lift stations and 90 kilometres of gravity and force mains. Waste water 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 e-mail 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
