Water Treatment Plant
The municipality of Casselman draws water from the South Nation River and processes it in a treatment plant to make it safe to drink. In its natural environment, the water from the river contains impurities that may be harmful to human health. Therefore, we have to remove components such as leaves, branches, sand, algae, viruses, bacteria and chemicals from it.
We process and produce high quality water that meets the standards of our provincial and federal ministries of the Environment. Our water plant and an external laboratory continuously test our supply and distribution system to detect and prevent harmful elements.
Production Capacity
The water treatment plant produces an average of 1,200 cubic metres of potable water each day, for a population of 3,600 people. During peak periods, the water production may almost double. The average consumption of Casselman residents is 352 litres per day, per person. Our treatment plant has the capacity to serve up to 4,500 people and meet the needs of the projected growth until 2021.
Filtration and Water Treatment
Chemicals are used in the water treatment process. However, we use only the minimum required to produce safe drinking water.
- Chlorine is used to control bacteria, algae and viruses present in the water. Before water is pumped to your home, chlorine is added to disinfect it and maintain an adequate residual level.
- Aluminum sulfate (alum) is used to remove harmful microorganisms and particles by making them clump together into larger particles so they can be filtered out of the water supply.
- Potassium permanganate is used to deal with minerals in water of the South Nation River.
The taste and odour of the water may change during the spring and summer due to the presence of naturally occurring algae and higher water temperatures in the South Nation River. However, the quality of the treated water remains the same and is demonstrated by quality control testing. We are continuously working at reducing or eliminating these seasonal inconveniences.
Water Main Flushing
Flushing through hydrants is a routine maintenance of our water distribution system carried out to remove impurities, sediments and clogging from water mains. We also flush systems in new residential development before they are put into service.
The municipality of Casselman notifies residents before proceeding with cleaning and maintenance work on the water distribution system. Although it may cause a few inconveniences, this maintenance program is required to keep our system in good order and provide you with the highest quality drinking water.
The change in water pressure and velocity occurring during the cleaning process may disturb sediment deposits in the mains. Your tap water may turn to a reddish or brownish colour.
- During flushing, we ask you to reduce your water consumption and avoid using hot water to minimize the amount of sediments entering your system and hot water tank.
- After flushing of the distribution system, let cold water run for a few minutes before using it.
In case of emergency, the municipality of Casselman may flush the system without notice.
Household Water Treatment Systems
Household water treatment systems and bottled water have different standards and regulations than those imposed on municipal drinking water systems. Most household systems are designed to treat water that is already safe to drink.
There are many types of household systems and for different purposes. For example, some devices are designed to remove residual chlorine, while others are used to soften water or remove odours.
Inadequate use or maintenance of a household system may provide breeding grounds for bacteria or lead to the release of toxic chemicals in your water.
Before buying a household water treatment system, determine what your needs are and check for devices that are NSF certified. For more information on the selection of a water treatment system, visit The Public Health and Safety Organization.