The Wheatland Regional Corporation (WRC) has been fielding complaints from residents in Rockyford regarding the unpleasant taste and odour of their water since August 31.
Numerous updates have been provided via the WRC’s Facebook page to address these concerns, and reassuring residents the water, despite the smell and taste, is still safe to drink.
“We realize there is still an odour and taste issue being experienced within Rockyford,” stated the latest update on Tuesday, October 13. “We wish we could give you an exact date as to when this will clear up, but we can’t. We can tell you our operators are working on the situation and we are doing everything we can.”
On September 1, a waterline in the village along Southview Drive was flushed to help address the issue.
In a Facebook update from the WRC on September 21 a hot and dry August was cited as the cause of the issue. The WRC noted they were treating the reservoir to remove the taste and smell, though they noted “it is a matter of time and patience.”
An additional update on September 25 noted a new treatment was suggested after consultation with a supplier. Over the following weekend, the new treatment was added to the raw water reservoir. WRC was also informed at this time “many other
communities throughout Alberta are experiencing the same issues as we are.”
Two fire hydrants in Rockyford were flushed on October 14 to help address the issue as well as cloudiness in the water.
Leah Jensen, general manager for WRC, provided the Mail with a statement citing, “The water is constantly monitored and tested, and meets all Alberta Health Service and Alberta Environment standards, and is completely safe to consume.”
There is currently no information on when the issue will be resolved.
