North Battleford Shifts to Groundwater Due to North Saskatchewan River Quality

North Battleford is relying more on groundwater to address an earthy taste and smell in its drinking water supply from the North Saskatchewan River. City officials noted that production at the underground water plant has increased while production at the river water treatment plant has decreased. This change is intended to reduce geosmin, a compound produced by certain algae and microorganisms, which affects taste and odor in the water.

The city is altering its core municipal water production strategy by shifting reliance from the North Saskatchewan River to underground sources. This change is driven by the natural occurrence of geosmin in the river water, which affects aesthetic quality and requires operational adjustments.