Residents in the town of High Prairie have been asking questions recently about the implementation of chloramine in the municipal drinking water system.
The Town’s Chief Administrative Officer, David Joy, posted a statement on the Town’s Facebook page saying that the water remains safe and meets all national health standards.
Chloramines, which do not naturally occur in the environment, are disinfectants used to keep drinking water safe as it travels through distribution pipes to High Prairie homes and businesses.
At the water treatment plant, trained operators create chloramines by carefully mixing chlorine and ammonia in a controlled process known as chloramination.
As a public drinking water authority, the Town of High Prairie follows guidelines set by Health Canada.
According to Health Canada, a specific maximum guideline value for chloramines in drinking water is not required because scientific studies have not identified health effects at the levels used in water treatment.
The only noted precautions apply to kidney dialysis providers, who must properly treat water before use, and aquarium owners, as chloramines can be harmful to fish.
Health Canada further notes that chloramines have no known health effects at drinking water concentrations.
While the chloramination process can result in the formation of disinfection by-products when it reacts with naturally occurring organic matter, the health risks associated with these by-products are far lower than the risks posed by inadequately disinfected water.
Some residents may notice a mild taste or odour in the water, though chloramines are generally less noticeable than chlorine.
Town officials emphasized that taste and odour are aesthetic concerns, not health-related issues.
Residents experiencing these issues are encouraged to contact the High Prairie water utility, as consumer feedback helps officials monitor water quality and public satisfaction.
– Kyle Moore, Trending 55 Newsroom
