Algae bloom to blame for strange smell and taste in Regina's tap water
Some Regina and Moose Jaw residents are looking for answers after noticing a strange taste and smell in their tap water as of late.
According to the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant, the smell and taste is caused by an unusually early algae bloom.
Residents have said their tap water has a “lake like” taste and smell.
“What we’re seeing here is an algae bloom that’s actually in the water. So it’s in the water column, that’s relevant to the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant because they are always pulling water from the lake and treating it. That algae bloom is causing some issues as the plant causes its operational tactics to deal with that organic matter going through the treatment process,” Patrick Boyle from the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency said.
The water is still safe to drink and meets all the regulatory drinking water requirements, according to the treatment plant.
The plant also said it is working on solutions to reduce the altered taste and smell.
According to a City of Regina news release, the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant is currently using powdered activated carbon to reduce the taste and odour.
The city said the issue should be resolved in a couple of weeks.
“The clear message is that although there is an operational issue that is based on natural occurrences of the timing, drinking water is very safe from the plant,” Boyle said.
Currently, Drinking Water Quality and Compliance reports from previous years are available on the City of Regina’s website.
-- With Files from Hallee Mandryk.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.