An advisory is being issued after elevated manganese levels were discovered in the Rutland Waterworks District Lower Zone.
According to the district, manganese levels in the water supply, discovered during routine testing, 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), and does not impact 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 Highway 33.
Testing completed on Thursday at the Saskatoon Road site had a concentration of 0.213mg/L, while the Highway 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.
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.
The district is actively working to address the issue by increasing flows from the higher quality wells to produce more water as system demands as well as increasing the frequency of water quality monitoring and keeping residents advised of the manganese levels.
This is not a boil water advisory, boiling water will not make the water safe for preparing infant formula. For infants and young children, alternative sources of water should be used for preparing infant formula and for drinking.
The water is safe to bathe and shower in, as well as for hand washing, dishes and laundry.
