The Boil Water Order remains in effect.
The Smoky River Water Management Commission is currently undergoing a clarifier replacement in the water treatment plant located in Falher. The old components of the clarifier have been disassembled and removed and concrete repairs and prep work is taking place. The concrete is to be repaired and resurfaced and will cure for a few days over the Christmas period. Once the concrete is cured the construction of the new clarifier will begin. This project is currently scheduled to be completed on January 18th, 2025, construction is going well, and the project is progressing as expected.
The temporary clarifier has been connected to the plant and is operational, however we are still experiencing some difficulties treating the water to the required turbidity. The low water temperature combined with the short contact time between the chemical and the water in the temporary clarifier is not able to settle the floc fast enough before it enters the filters. We are continuing to work with external resources such as Alberta Environment, Engineers, and Chemical Experts to try to make this temporary clarifier perform better while the reconstruction of our permanent clarifier is underway.
We are continuing to test at random locations in the distribution system and these samples are sent regularly to the Provincial Lab in Edmonton. So far, all samples have tested negative for e-coli and total coliform. We have sent samples to an independent lab to be tested for cryptosporidium and giardia and the sample was a zero (0) count on cryptosporidium, and a zero (0) count on giardia. This is all great news however the Boil Water Order remains in effect to ensure public safety. We will continue to do additional testing during the duration of this project to show that the water is free of e-coli, total coliform and other parasites despite the turbidity challenges.
Updates will continue to be provided weekly, or as soon as important information is available. As mentioned in our FAQ released on December 6, 2024, there are currently no plans to turn off water distribution to the communities served by the Water Commission; Town of Falher, Village of Girouxville, Village of Donnelly, Hamlet of Jean Cote, Hamlet of Guy, and customers of the Smoky River Water Coop. Truck fills in these communities will remain closed until the Boil Water Order is rescinded.
The Smoky River Regional Water Management Commission thanks you for your ongoing patience and understanding during this upgrade. Please share this information with your neighbours or anyone who does not have internet access.