Boil Water Order Remains In Effect

The Boil Water Order remains in effect.

The Smoky River Regional Water Management Commission is currently undergoing a clarifier replacement in the water treatment plant located in Falher. This project is currently scheduled to be completed on January 18th, 2025.

Due to the ongoing difficulties treating the water to the required turbidity with the temporary clarifier, we are expecting that Alberta Health Services will keep us on the Boil Water Order until the new clarifier is commissioned in January. We are continuing to work with external resources such as Alberta Environment, Engineers, and Chemical Experts to try to make this temporary clarifier perform better while the reconstruction of our permanent clarifier is underway.

We are continuing to test at random locations in the distribution system and these samples are sent regularly to the Provincial Lab in Edmonton. So far, all samples have tested negative for e-coli and total coliform. We will continue to do additional testing during the duration of this project to show that the water is free of e-coli, total coliform and other parasites despite the turbidity challenges.

This will be the last update until January unless important information arises regarding the Boil Water Order. As mentioned in our FAQ released on December 6, 2024, there are currently no plans to turn off water distribution to the communities served by the Water Commission; Town of Falher, Village of Girouxville, Village of Donnelly, Hamlet of Jean Cote, Hamlet of Guy, and customers of the Smoky River Water Coop. Truck fills in these communities will remain closed until the Boil Water Order is rescinded.

The Smoky River Regional Water Management Commission thanks you for your ongoing patience and understanding during this upgrade. Please share this information with your neighbours or anyone who does not have internet access.