Alberta Environment’s Drinking Water Program
ensures safe drinking water by:
Alberta Environment uses a multi-barrier approach to ensure that safe drinking water is
provided to all Albertans. This method is referred to as a ‘Source to Tap’ approach,
referring to the continuum of processes to treat the water between the water source and your
drinking water tap. Processes can include everything mitigating potential impacts to the raw
water source to chemical treatments and filtration.
Barriers may be physical or administrative in nature. A physical barrier is a material object
that impedes or separates; a filter is an example of a physical barrier. Physical barriers are
quantitative in nature and allow for an assessment of tangible measurable results. An
administrative barrier is more conceptual and more difficult to quantify. For example, the
cumulative effect that development (such as residential, commercial, industrial, forestry and
agricultural activities) has on a watershed can dramatically impact water quality. Source
protection planning is an example of an administrative approach. It identifies risks and hazards
impacting raw water supplies and allows for more informed decision-making with regard to
activities and development and lowers the risk of potential adverse impacts.
Alberta Environment receives annual reports from drinking water facility owners and
operators facilities. In addition, facilities collect monthly reporting data summarizing the
results of their drinking water quality testing.
Alberta Environment is working with facilities to have all monthly reports available
electronically, and to provide public access to this data. This website provides access
to all of the monthly reports that Alberta Environment is currently receiving through
electronic reporting. Reports that are not currently available on this website can be
obtained by contacting Alberta Environment’s
Facilities are inspected to ensure they meet the requirements of their Alberta Environment
approvals or registrations. This website contains information gathered during the most recent
inspection at each treatment facility.
The frequency of inspections is dependent on the nature of the water supply for the
waterworks system. At a minimum, facilities with a surface water source are inspected
annually, while facilities with a high quality groundwater source are inspected every two
Following an inspection, a number of steps may be taken. If at any time the Alberta
Environment inspector identifies an issue that may adversely impact health, the local
health authority is notified immediately. Other issues may be referred to department
staff for their involvement. For example, where the inspector identifies an opportunity
for a facility to optimize performance, an Alberta Environment Drinking Water Operations
Specialist may be called in to help.
If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your drinking water quality,
please contact your local municipal officials.
Alberta Health Services work with your facility owners to provide
notification if there is a health concern related to your drinking water quality.