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We're a Canadian leader in installing and operating new water treatment technologies. Edmonton was the first major Canadian city to receive drinking water treated with ultraviolet light disinfection. The water treatment process includes coagulation, flocculation, filtration and uses free chlorine, chloramine and UV light for disinfection.

Through continual upgrades and innovations, Gold Bar plant remains at the forefront of wastewater treatment technology. This includes enhanced primary treatment, biological nutrient removal and ultraviolet disinfection.

We support on-site research facilities for both water and wastewater process improvements.

Services

  • Water treatment
  • Water distribution
  • Wastewater treatment

Model

  • Build-Own-Operate (Perpetuity)
  • Own-Operate (Perpetuity) — Gold Bar Plant Only

Customers served

  • Water: over 800,000
  • Wastewater: 782,000

About the System Infrastructure

How Does Water Get to Your Home?
Find out more about the journey water takes before it gets to your home here.
Plants

Treatment plants have site-specific infrastructure and processes. Learn more about each:

Water Distribution System
  • Number of hydrants: 21,708
  • Kms of mains pipes: 4,229
  • Type of pipes: PVC, Asbestos Cement, Cast Iron, and other
  • Meters: 251,000
  • Booster Pump Stations: six
  • Reservoirs: 13
Expansions and Upgrades
​E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant upgrades completed in 2008 increased overall customer water supply by 25%.
Wastewater Collection System
  • 15% of Edmonton has a combined (sanitary and storm water) sewer system.
  • EPCOR owns the mains used to transport treated wastewater sludge (biosolids) to and from the Clover Bar lagoons
  • The City of Edmonton retains ownership and management of the wastewater collection system, including:
    • Sanitary and storm mains
    • Pump stations
    • Manholes
    • Storm water ponds
    • Clover Bar lagoons
Expansions and Upgrades
Enhanced Primary Treatment was added in 2010 to handle seasonal flows from the combined sewer system.

Environmental considerations

Water system affected

North Saskatchewan watershed

Environmental stewardship

We recognize we're stewards and not owners of the watersheds in which we operate. We're committed to working with stakeholders to implement improvements in the watershed and our source water supply, the North Saskatchewan River.

The quality of a water source is the direct result of the natural and human activities that occur within a watershed. Therefore, in April 2008, we produced a Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP). We have a vested responsibility to ensure tap water provided to our customers supports good public health and​ is safe and pleasant to use.

Edmonton's source water protection area covers the entire watershed upstream of the Rossdale Water Treatment Plant in Edmonton to the headwaters located in the Rocky Mountains. The SWPP identified all potential hazards (land uses, contaminant sources) that could have an effect on the North Saskatchewan River basin and/or the water treatment plant process. The plan also evaluated the potential hazards level of risk to the drinking water system.

Awards

  • 2011: Government of Alberta EnviroVista Champion
  • 2005-2010: Government of Alberta EnviroVista Leader
  • 2010: Alberta Venture Best Workplace for the Environmentally Conscious
  • 2008: International Award for Sustainable Infrastructure Achievement
  • 2008: Alberta Emerald Foundation Environmental Leadership Awards – E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant upgrade project