Tap water safe despite unusual taste and odor, Buffalo Pound says

Many residents in Moose Jaw and Regina have noticed their tap water has an unusual taste and odour, but officials say it is safe to drink and meets all regulatory requirements for drinking water.

Drinking water for both cities comes from Buffalo Pound Lake, which is currently experiencing its usual annual algae bloom that causes high levels of taste and odor problems, the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant said.

The plant currently uses powdered activated carbon in its purification process to reduce the intensity of taste and odor problems, but this step has limited effectiveness.

“The construction team, programmers and plant personnel are working diligently to have the new complex deep-bed carbon filter system in service within the next month. When the carbon filters are commissioned and begin operating, the taste and odor will no longer occur,” the plant said.

The BPWTP is undergoing a $325 million renewal, with construction expected to be completed in early 2026. The renewal includes additional process improvements in addition to deep-bed carbon filters that will remove taste and odor year-round.

The organization is asking Moose Jaw and Regina residents to be patient as the new processes are put in place.

New Chairman of the Board of Directors

Patricia Warsaba, KC, was elected as the new Chair of the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation (BPWTC) Board of Directors at the recent Annual General Meeting, replacing Dale Schoffer, who had served as Chair of the BPWTC Board of Directors since 2018.

Warsaba has been a member of BPWTC’s board of directors since 2020 and has a wealth of knowledge, board experience and expertise, the company said.

In 2011, she was recognized as a Saskatchewan Woman of Influence for her contributions as a professional in her community. She is Honorary Consul of the Embassy of Iceland in Regina, with jurisdiction over the province of Saskatchewan, and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022. She also retired as a lawyer and partner at McKercher LLP in 2023.

“We would like to thank Dale Schoffer for his capable leadership of the BPWTC Board of Directors over the past eight years,” the company said.

“His guidance and insight during the pandemic and in the renewal of facilities have positioned the company well for the future. We are pleased that Dale will continue to serve on the BPWTC Board as a Director.”