MOOSE JAW - Many residents in Moose Jaw and Regina have noticed that their tap water has an unusual taste and odour, but authorities say it is safe to drink and meets all regulatory drinking requirements.
The two cities’ drinking water comes from Buffalo Pound Lake, which is currently experiencing its usual annual algae bloom that causes high levels of taste and odour concerns, the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant said.
The plant is currently using powdered activated carbon in its purifying process to decrease the intensity of taste and odour problems, but that step has limited effectiveness.
“The construction team, programmers, and plant staff are working diligently to get the new and complex deep-bed carbon filter system in service within the next month. When the carbon filters are commissioned and begin operations, the taste and odour will no longer occur,” the plant said.
The BPWTP is undergoing a $325 million renewal, with construction to be completed in early 2026. The renewal includes additional process improvements besides the deep-bed carbon filters that will remove taste and odours year-round.
The organization is asking residents in Moose Jaw and Regina to be patient as the new processes are put into place.
New board chairperson
Patricia Warsaba, K.C., was elected as the new chairperson of the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation’s (BPWTC) board of directors during the recent annual general meeting, replacing Dale Schoffer, who served as the BPWTC board chairman since 2018.
Warsaba has been a member of the BPWTC board since 2020 and has a wealth of knowledge, board experience and expertise, the corporation said.
In 2011, she was recognized as a woman of influence in Saskatchewan for her contributions as a professional in her community. She is the honorary consul for the Embassy of Iceland in Regina, with jurisdiction over the Province of Saskatchewan, and she received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022. She also retired as a lawyer and partner with McKercher LLP in 2023.
“We want to thank Dale Schoffer for his skillful leadership of the BPWTC board of directors over the past eight years,” the corporation said.
“His guidance and insight through the pandemic and into plant renewal have positioned the corporation well for the future. We are fortunate that Dale will be continuing with the BPWTC board as a director.”
