Drinking water – Knowledge

Overview

Knowledge is an essential element in the Source to Tap / Multi-Barrier Approach. Increased knowledge will lead to increased consumer confidence in the safety and quality of their drinking water supplies. In addition, a well-informed public will understand their role in the conservation of drinking water and how their actions contribute to the protection of source water.

Knowledge of the costs associated with delivering safe, secure supplies of drinking water is required. The intent of the Alberta government's Full Cost Accounting Initiative is to assist municipalities by providing a full cost reporting template, in accordance with established accounting standards, specific to drinking water operation.

The objective is to ensure that governments have accurate information regarding the true cost of producing and supplying quality drinking water. Reporting of all costs related to infrastructure, operations and administration is required to ensure the sustainability of these systems.

Regulated drinking water

The Alberta government works with partners to assure safe, secure supplies of drinking water for Albertans. The government regulates municipal systems that serve over 80% of the province's population, about 2.75 million Albertans.

To obtain drinking water quality information related to your community, see Regulated Drinking Water in Alberta.

Assuring water quality

Municipalities own and operate waterworks systems throughout Alberta, including distribution systems and service connections. Homeowners are responsible for service connections from the property line into the home. Municipalities and homeowners must ensure pipes and fittings do not adversely affect drinking water quality.

Health Canada provides information to ensure that all pipes and fittings do not adversely affect drinking water quality. See Health Canada's Guidance on Controlling Corrosion in Drinking Water Distribution Systems.

For more information about the impact of lead pipes and service connections on drinking water, see Lead in Drinking Water: Questions & Answers.

Research

The reports were commissioned by the Drinking Water and Wastewater Section and provide strategic insights into a variety of drinking water quality topics that are important for the public

• Drinking Water Safety Plan Data Assessment
• Drinking Water Safety Plan – Generic Risk Control Measures
• Drinking Water Survey for New Parameters of Interest/Concern
• Optimisation Of Plumbosolvency Control Using Computational Modelling Techniques

Publications

• Municipal Drinking Water Program

Drinking water program review

In order to maintain the high level of assurance provided to Albertans on their drinking water quality, an independent technical assessment of the department's drinking water program was conducted in 2006.

This assessment will be conducted on a 5 year cycle and will ensure that the program goal of providing safe, secure supplies of drinking water is met and areas that need improvement are identified.