Water Quality

The communities within the Westlock Region monitor water quality daily throughout the distribution system. These measures ensure our water consistently meets or exceeds the parameters set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

Thousands of samples are collected and tested annually to ensure the water remains safe and clean for public use. Rigorous laboratory testing enables us to detect even trace levels of contaminants, ensuring we maintain excellent water quality year-round.

Yes – your drinking water is safe to consume all year. During the spring, melting snow increases the flow of the Pembina River, which can raise turbidity levels and introduce more organic material. Late summer algae can also increase the organic material in raw water. This may occasionally affect the taste, odour, colour, or hardness of the water, but it remains safe and compliant with all health standards.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that exists in fresh water, sea water and soil. Most drinking water contains some natural fluoride. The Town of Westlock adds fluoride to the treated drinking water to promote dental health, as recommended by the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and supported by Alberta Health.

Water fluoridation is the process used in many Canadian communities to adjust the level of fluoride in the municipal water supply to an optimum level.

According to health authorities, fluoridation offers health benefits to the entire community, especially vulnerable populations without access to regular dental care.

If you have questions or want more information on the health benefits of fluoride, please visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca.

Have you ever seen water flowing from a fire hydrant, but not a fire in sight?

You were probably watching a water main being cleaned using a flushing process. Water main flushing is widely used by municipalities to effectively freshen the water supply in pipes, water mains and water distribution systems.

Water main flushing can be planned as part of regular system maintenance or when we drain or commission existing water mains. It can also be unplanned, such as after a water main breaks or is damaged.