Notice to the Residents Of the Village of Duchess

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The water transmission main from the Newell Regional Water Services- Water Treatment Plant
in Brooks, to the Village of Duchess has been completed!

For residents safety we are performing pressure testing, flushing and bacteriological testing.

It is anticipated that beginning, Monday, April 22, 2013
Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) will begin to supply water to the Village of Duchess.

Since, October 2012, NRSC has been using a method of water disinfection with the addition of ammonia to chlorine to change the disinfection process to chloramines. Chloramines are proven to be very effective in the treatment of water that has to travel long distances from the treated source to the end user.

Chloramines have been approved for use by Health Canada, Alberta Health and Alberta Environment. NRSC meets and exceeds all Canadian Drinking Water Quality Standards. Those standards are rigorously monitored by our treatment plant operators, Alberta Health and Alberta Environment.

However, chloramines are required to be removed from water for those that are practicing home hemodialysis (kidney dialysis). Alberta Health Services monitors those home patients.

For those that have fish in home aquariums, chloramines should also be removed from the water. Chloramines can be removed using a carbon filter before water is introduced into a fish tank or removed using special drops that are available at local pet stores.

If you require further information on chloramines please see our website at: www.nrsc.ca.

On the site are FAQ’s and Answers, directions to Health Canada and other water authorities in Canada and the United States.

NRSC welcomes all Village of Duchess residents and we are keen to provide a Safe, Secure and Sustainable water System as well as dependable and excellent Service!

Ralph Havinga
General Manager


Letter of Support- Alberta Minister of Health

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Dear Mayor Shields:

Honorable Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs, forwarded your letter of January 16, 2013, regarding the use of chloramines as an approved drinking water treatment method. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.

Our drinking water comes from nature where it is exposed to a number of potential contaminants, such as minerals, silt, vegetation, fertilizers and agricultural runoff. While some of these materials are harmless, some can cause serious health problems, which can be especially troubling to the most vulnerable populations – children and the elderly. The most significant health risks come from disease-causing bacteria and viruses.

Effective disinfection of drinking water is critical to reducing enteric illness in Alberta. Scientific data shows that chloramine disinfection is a safe, acceptable practice and that the practice of disinfecting drinking water has greatly reduced the risk of water-borne diseases. Only chloramines, which are widely used in distribution systems where water must be piped long distances to different communities, are stable enough to protect drinking water from the growth of water-borne pathogens in these systems.

Health Canada recognizes chloramination as a safe and legitimate form of disinfection.

Water utilities serving Edmonton and area have been using chloramine for several decades, while the City of Calgary has been using free chlorine. In addition, many municipalities in the United States and Australia have been chloraminating for several years.

Under Alberta’s Water for Life strategy, our government is committed to ensuring Albertans have access to a safe, secure supply of drinking water. This requires disinfection as part of our multi-barrier, source-to-tap approach. Our government works cooperatively with other organizations, departments and agencies to maintain the quality of Alberta’s drinking water supply. If you would like more information about our government’s drinking water program, please visit www.environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/8156.pdf

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Letter of Support – Alberta Health Services

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Dear Mayor Shields:

Thank you for your letter on January 16, 2013. I would like to reconfirm the support of Alberta Health Services for your community’s continued use of chloramines as a disinfectant in drinking water.

As you are aware the use of chloramines as a disinfectant for drinking water treatment is not a new technology but rather a practice with a long history based on sound research. In recent years, a large number of cities in Canada and the United States have adopted the use of chloramines.

In Canada, the chemical is being added to water in the cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, Hamilton, Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Victoria. Larger American cities that use chloramines include Boston, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington DC.

Chloramines have been approved as a disinfectant for safe drinking water by various levels of government in Canada, including Health Canada, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (“Alberta Environment”), Alberta Health, and Alberta Health Services. These agencies work very closely together and have examined all aspects of the use of this chemical in drinking water disinfection and have deemed it to be both effective and safe.

Furthermore, Health Canada, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization have all published evidence-based documents on the use of chloramines and other disinfectants for use in drinking water treatment.

Alberta Health Services is committed to working with your community and Alberta Environment to ensure that your municipal water treatment system continues to provide safe water from both a microbial and chemical standpoint. We will provide on-going public health information and technical advisory support in the use of chloramines in your City’s drinking water supply.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Ken Longmore, Supervisor for Environmental Public Health at 403-502-8204.

Yours truly,

Chris Eagle, MD, MBA, FRCPC
President and Cheif Executive Officer

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Alberta Health Services contact for Health Related questions re: Chloramines

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Editor:

Re: Chloramine

Chloramine has been used safely in Canada and the United States for years. Many water utilities are in the process of switching to chloramine because of its benefits.

Read the rest of this entry »


Chloramines FAQ

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What are chloramines?

Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and a small amount of ammonia. The recommended maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) in Canadian Drinking Water Standards is 3mg/l.

Are chloramines new?

No. Many cities in the U. S. and Canada have used chloramines for decades. Actually the City of Lethbridge, the City of Red Deer and the City of Edmonton are presently using chloramines as a disinfectant.

Are chloramines safe?

Yes. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) accepts chloramines as a disinfectant and as a way to avoid formation of known carcinogens in the trihalomethane family of compounds. Chloraminated water is safe for bathing, drinking, cooking and all uses we have for potable water every day. However, there are two groups of people who need to take special care with chloraminated water: kidney dialysis patients and tropical fish owners.

What are trihalomethanes (THMs)?

THMs are some of the chemical compounds that are formed when chlorine mixes with naturally occurring organics in water. The USEPA has determined some THMs to be carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) for people.

What are the Health Risks?

Although Chloramines are nontoxic to healthy people, they can have a weakening effect on individuals with kidney disease who must undergo dialysis. Chloramines must be removed from the water used in dialysis treatments.

Also, Chloramines can be deadly for fish. They can damage gill tissue and enter the red blood cells causing a sudden and sever blood disorder. For this reason all Chloramine compounds must be removed from the water prior to any contact with fish.

What special precautions should kidney dialysis patients take?

Kidney dialysis patients can safely drink, cook, and bathe in chloraminated water. However, chloramines must be removed from the water used in kidney dialysis machines.

Dialysis systems already pre-treat their source water to remove chlorine. However, some modifications will be necessary to remove the chloramines. Home dialysis service companies can usually make the needed modifications, but you should check with your physician to be certain.

All medical facilities that perform kidney dialysis have been notified of this change to chloraminated water treatment. According to the ESRD [End Stage Renal Disease] federal regulations, these facilities are responsible for purifying the water that enters the dialysis machines.

The Southern Alberta Renal Program has already installed the appropriate carbon filters in home-based water systems of home hemodialysis patients. These systems will be installed and monitored to ensure cholarimines and other products are removed prior to dialysis.

Will there be an impact on my skin after bathing or showering?

No. There is no evidence of significant dermal absorption during these activities posing a risk.

Does bottled water have chloramine?

Normally it does not. Bottled water could contain chloramine if the company uses water supplied by Newell Regional Services Corporation as its water source.

Can pregnant women and children drink chloraminated water?

Yes. Everyone can drink water that contains chloramines.

Can you safely wash an open wound with chloraminated water?

Yes. It is safe to use chloraminated water in cleaning an open wound because virtually no water actually enters the bloodstream that way.

Why use Chloramines instead of Chlorine?

Chloramine is more chemically stable than chlorine and lasts longer in the local water distribution system than chlorine.

Should I stop drinking the water?

No, it is very important to maintain fluid intake of approximately 2 liters per day. Everyone can drink water that contains chloramines.

Will chloramines affect your swimming pool?

No. You will still need free chlorine residual to retard algae and bacteria growths. Contact your local pool supply stores for specific information.

Do home water purifiers remove chloramines?

Most home purifiers are not designed to remove chloramines. Consult your manufacturer for specific information. NOTE: High quality granular activated carbon filters may remove chloramines provided sufficient contact time is permitted.

What can be expected during the disinfectant conversion from chlorine to chloramines?

You may not notice any change to taste, odour or colour.

What are my options to reduce the Chloramines in my water?

If you want to reduce the amount of Chloramines in your water, a granular activated carbon filter or ascorbic acid are common substances to reduce Chloramine residuals.

If chloramine is such an effective disinfectant, why is it not used in every community?

While the public often considers all drinking water to be the same, the local raw water and water distribution conditions determine the best option for each particular community. Both chlorine and chloramine have their own advantages and disadvantages. Given sufficient contact time, chloramine is as effective as chlorine in destroying bacteria. While chlorine works more quickly, it does not last as long in the water as chloramine.

Does using chloramine increase the cost of water?

No. The cost of using chloramine is about the same as using chlorine.

Can you safely water plants, vegetables or fruit and trees?

Yes. The small amount of chloramines in the water supply will have no effect on plants of any type

If chloramines are harmful to fish, how can people safely drink the water?

Chloraminated water is no different than chlorinated water for all of the normal uses we have for potable water, including drinking. The digestive process neutralizes the chloramines before they reach the bloodstream. However, fish absorb chloramines directly into their bloodstreams through their gills, which can be fatal.

What special precautions should fish owners take?

Chloramines must be removed from any water to be used for fish tanks or ponds. Chloramines are toxic to saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles that live in water, turtles and amphibians, and must be removed. This includes lobster tanks at grocery stores and restaurants as well as fish containers at bait shops.

You may not have had to remove chlorine from your aquarium water because it dissipates (evaporates) rapidly on its own. This is not the case with chloramines and specific steps must be taken for their removal.

Chloramines can be removed from the water by using a water conditioner specifically designed to remove chloramines or by using a granular activated carbon filter. Your pet supplier should be able to provide any further guidance you may need on these products.

Ammonia can be toxic to fish. Although all fish produce some ammonia as a natural by-product, ammonia is also released when chloramines are chemically removed. Some ammonia levels may be tolerable in individual tanks or ponds for short periods of time; however, commercial products are available at pet supply stores to remove excess ammonia. Biological filters, natural zeolites, and pH control methods are also effective in reducing the toxic effects of ammonia.

Where can I get more information?

Chloramines in Drinking Water

Chloramines are one of the disinfectants used in drinking water. They are used to control bacterial growth and regrowth, taste and odour problems in drinking water. Chloramines help to deliver drinking water to you that is safe to drink, with the lowest possible levels of trihalomethanes (THMs).

For further health related information please see the following links to Alberta Health Services:
Follow us on Twitter: AHS_SouthZone
Visit us at: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/5827.asp
AHS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alberta-Health-Services/179579998746821


NRSC- Chloramines Open House

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Heritage Inn, Brooks

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) is preparing to implement a change in the water treatment process in the City of Brooks and Municipalities within the County of Newell.

Commencing on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 a change from free chlorine to a combined use of chlorine and ammonia (chloramines) will occur.

NRSC is preparing to host an information open house on October 11th, 2012. Water treatment experts, the consulting engineer and representatives from Alberta Environment and Alberta Health Services will be in attendance to answer any questions or concerns. The open house will be held at the Heritage Inn Thursday, October 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

It is important that residents understand the process. The open house will provide a chance to exchange information, answer questions and concerns.

The safety of the public is held in the highest regard by Newell Regional Services Corporation. At no time will safety be compromised. We have retained experts in the field of water treatment in order to ensure all Provincial standards are either met or exceeded. Alberta Environment has approved the use of chloramines in other cities with no adverse effects. Newell Regional Services Corporation will adhere to the strict continual monitoring and sampling requirements of Alberta Environment to ensure the safety of the potable water supply for all customers.

For further information see our web site at: www.nrsc.ca
or please call:
Ralph Havinga C.Tech: 403-794-4000
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation

Click here to download this media release as a PDF.


Change of Water Treatment Process from Chlorine to Chloramines

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Newell Regional Services Corporation wish to inform the public in the City of Brooks and County of Newell residents of Lake Newell Resort, Rainier, Scandia, Rolling Hills, Patricia and the Villages of Tilley; that a change to the water treatment process will occur on Tuesday, October 16, 2012.

Residents of Rosemary, Duchess and Bassano will also soon be receiving water treated with chloramines.

Currently within the water distribution systems in the communities highlighted above; residual disinfection is provided by free chlorine. Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) will be implementing a change to a combined chlorine and ammonia (chloramine) residual as part of the Regional Water Treatment Plant process. The need for the more resilient combined residual that is a more stable disinfectant will arise as the regional system has expanded to include additional communities.

Chloramines are currently being used successfully to disinfect water throughout North America. In Alberta, the communities of Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Red Deer are currently using chloramines to provide residual disinfection within their respective water distribution systems. Although Newell Regional Services Corporation does not supply water to as large a population, the distance for transmission of water is comparable in size to that of a large city, thus the requirement for a more resilient residual disinfection.

With the change from a free chlorine residual to a chloramine residual, it is important for consumers to note that:

Above all, water treated with chloramines is safe for drinking, washing, bathing and other household use.

  • Chloramine residual must also be removed from the water prior to use in kidney dialysis machines. Alberta Health Services- Palliser; is aware of this change and will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of all affected patients. Contact your physician for more information.
  • Aquarium owners should install a filter to remove the chloramine residual from tank water due to potential toxicity to all species of fish. A typical granular activated carbon filter, available at any pet store, will remove the chloramine residual from the water.
  • • It is not enough to pour water directly from your tap into the fish tank, even though you may have a carbon filter in the tank. Water must first pass through a carbon filter.

The safety of the public is held in the highest regard by Newell Regional Services Corporation. At no time will safety be compromised. We have retained experts in the field of water treatment in order to ensure all Provincial standards are either met or exceeded. Alberta Environment has approved the use of chloramines in other cities with no adverse effects. Newell Regional Services Corporation will adhere to the strict continual monitoring and sampling requirements of Alberta Environment to ensure the safety of the potable water supply for all customers.

Testing of the ammonia injection system has concluded and we are satisfied with the test results.

Chloraminated water will be introduced into all distribution systems beginning the 16th of October, 2012. Residents may notice an increase in the taste and odour of chlorine during the implimentation phase but this will diminish within days.

Concurrently, NRSC is preparing to host an information open house on October 11th, 2012. Water treatment experts, the consulting engineer and representatives from Alberta Environment and Alberta Health Services will be in attendance to answer any questions or concerns. The open house will be held at the Heritage Inn Thursday, October 11th, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

For further information see our web site at: www.nrsc.ca
or please call:
Ralph Havinga C.Tech: 403-794-4000
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation

Click here to download this Media Release as a PDF


Attention: Water Haulers

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The City of Brooks and County of Newell have changed the rate that they are charging for bulk water to water haulers.

Effective July 1, 2012; the new rate is $2.261/m3 – Residential and $3.012/m3 for Commercial

The old rate was $1.976/m3 – Residential and $2.635/m3 for Commercial

The new rate will appear on your next utility bill on July 31, 2012

This information is posted on the City of Brooks and NRSC web-sites.

If you have any questions, please contact Newell Regional Services Corporation 403-794-4000


Change of Water Treatment Process from Chlorine to Chloramines

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Media Release

Date: June 7, 2012- For Immediate Release

From:
Ralph Havinga C.E.T.
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation

Subject: Change of Water Treatment Process from Chlorine to Chloramines


Newell Regional Services has completed testing of the ammonia injection system, at the Water Treatment Plant.

Ammonia is injected to the water system as water leaves the Water Treatment Plant to change the disinfection process to chloramines.

We are satisfied that the system will react to changes in flow conditions and provide correct dosing to ensure correct water quality.

However, at certain low flow conditions (eg-night time flows) Newell Regional Services is not satisfied with the testing results and as a result will not be switching to chloramines, at this time.

In order to protect the health and safety of residents we will not be proceeding with the change to chloramines until mid-August.

Newell Regional Services Corporation had previously announced that the switch would occur on June 4, 2012.

Newell Regional Services Corporation apologizes for any inconvenience but in order to provide safe drinking water to residents within the City of Brooks and the County of Newell, we have made this decision.

Further information will be provided to the public as to when the change to chloramines will occur.

For further information please contact:
Ralph Havinga-CTech
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation
403-794-4000


Chloramines Questions & Answers

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