MPWA State of the Watershed

Drinking Water

The majority of the municipalities and counties in the watershed rely on the Peace, Smoky and Wapiti rivers for drinking water. The drinking water intake map at right shows locations for the government-regulated water treatment facilities. About 70% of the watershed's population is served by these sources of water, most of which are surface water allocations. About 7% of the watershed's population is living in First Nation or Métis communities.²⁷ The rest of the population relies on private sources, including dugouts, private wells and rainwater collection systems. Some communities have boil-water advisories in effect.²⁸ Little information is available on the location of drinking water sources and the status of treatment.

Sources of Drinking Water
In Canada, the waterworks system is maintained and operated to produce and distribute water that meets the maximum acceptable concentrations of constituents specified in the guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality. National and international experts have placed increasing emphasis on taking a broad view of the management of drinking water supplies. They recommend implementing multiple barriers that reduce disease-causing organisms and contaminants, not only at the treatment plant and the distribution system, but in source water as well.

This involves the identification of potential treatment and contamination risks in the source's contributing area, or watershed. In Alberta, common treatment challenges involve high organic concentrations and turbidity in source water. Contaminants may include chemicals or biological contaminants stored or produced as a result of activities in a watershed.

Net Water Use
Not all water allocated is used and not all water used leaves the river system. Wastewater treatment plants, for example, are expected to return a significant portion of their water to the river. Only a small number of users (e.g., industrial users) are required to report the actual volume of water used to the provincial government, making net usage impossible to gauge.

DID YOU KNOW?

Private water well owners in Alberta are responsible for managing and maintaining their own wells. The Working Well program provides owners with the information and tools they need to properly care for their wells. Private systems should be tested regularly to ensure they meet drinking water standards. Public Health inspectors with Alberta Health Services can advise private homeowners with wells, cisterns or dugouts about the safety of their water and possible treatment options. More information at: workingwell.alberta.ca

Active Urban and Municipal Water Licences

HOVER ON COMMUNITIES FOR WATER SOURCES

Source: ESRD

Communities that draw water from sources other than Peace River

HOVER ON COMMUNITY FOR WATER SOURCES