Water Quality Advisory for Rutland Waterworks District Lower Zone (All Addresses West of Hollywood Road South)

Subject: Elevated Manganese Levels in Drinking Water
Date: July 9, 2025

Important Notice: During routine testing, we identified that the manganese levels in our water supply are currently measured at .233mg/L, which is approximately twice the Health Canada Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) of 0.12 mg/L. This advisory only affects the Lower Zone (all addresses West of Hollywood Road S. in the Rutland District). The levels can fluctuate based on system demand and the water source. This does not affect the upper zone (East of Hollywood Road S.) as it is primarily serviced by the Teasdale Road Reservoir and separated from the lower zone by a pressure reducing station on Hollywood and HWY 33.

Recent results at test sites in the lower zone: As of today, the Saskatoon site had a concentration of 0.213mg/L, Hwy 97 site had a concentration of 0.233mg/L, and the Gerstmar Park site had a concentration of .013mg/L. High levels of manganese can make water appear brown, purple or black at concentrations less than what Health Canada considers the Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) in drinking water.

What This Means:

• Health Implications: Manganese is a naturally occurring element and an essential nutrient. However, at elevated levels, it can pose health risks, particularly to infants and young children. Prolonged exposure to high manganese levels in drinking water may lead to neurological effects.
• Aesthetic Concerns: Higher manganese concentrations can cause discoloration of water and staining of laundry and plumbing fixtures.

Actions Being Taken: We are actively working to address this issue by:

• Reducing our reliance on Well # 6 (Ziprick Road) which has higher concentrations of manganese but due to peak summer demand and three wells currently in repair, we have had to run this well to meet the demands and fire flows necessary.
• Increasing flows from the higher quality wells to produce more water as system demand increases.
• Increasing the frequency of water quality monitoring and keeping residents advised of the Mn levels
• Working with neighboring utilities to help supplement extra water if needed.

Recommendations for Residents: 

• Infants and Young Children: Use alternative sources of water for preparing infant formula and for drinking.
• General Population: While occasional consumption is unlikely to cause harm, we advise all residents to stay informed and take precautions as needed.
• Please note that this is not a boil water advisory. Boiling water will not make the water safe for preparing infant formula.
• The water is safe to bathe and shower in, as well as hand washing, dishes and laundry.

Contact Information: For more information or if you have concerns, please contact:

Contact: Sarah Holte, Office Manager
Phone: 250-765-5218
Email: [email protected]

We are committed to providing safe and high-quality drinking water and will continue to monitor the water and update the advisory. For more information on manganese, click here.

This water quality advisory is in place until further notice.