Town of Hanna resident requests task force over chlorine in water
Stu Salkeld,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Town of Hanna resident requested the town council form a task force over the effects she claims chlorine is having on the municipality’s drinking water. The resident’s request was made at the Jan. 14 regular council meeting.
During the section of the meeting agenda titled “public presentations” councillors heard a request from a resident named Judith Isaaks. Isaaks stated she feels chlorine in Hanna’s drinking water is or could be causing problems and that the town should seriously investigate her concerns. “Okay, so why I’m here today is because of the chlorine in our drinking water,” stated Isaaks.
“I just Googled health effects of chlorine in drinking water and the danger, you know, I come up with all sorts of things,” said Isaaks, reading the search results off her phone directly to councillors. “Dangers of chlorine and drinking water, stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhea can all be effects of ingesting chlorine and it can also (cause) dry, itchy skin.”
Isaaks told the councillors chlorinated drinking water can also have an unpleasant taste or odour which is also a concern of hers.
Isaaks stated that since she moved to Hanna she had on occasion filled up jars with tap water and set them in the sun and readers should note that its accepted that sunlight reduces chlorine levels in water; she then stated that over the past month or so she can’t get good tasting water except, perhaps, late at night or early in the morning.
Isaaks requested the Town of Hanna form a task force to investigate her concerns about chlorine in the municipal tap water and suggested Coun. Angie Warwick could lead the effort; as she spoke, Isaaks suggested that Warwick appeared to be an “organic” person but then added, “You’re not organic, you’re wearing make-up.”
Isaaks repeated that she could fill up bottles of water late at night or early in the morning and wouldn’t get as much chlorine than at other times of day.
However, Mayor Danny Povaschuk disputed this by noting chlorine injection is performed at the water treatment plant 24-hours a day, seven days a week. “So there is no time there is less chlorine in the water,” said the mayor.
Povaschuk noted that the Town of Hanna tests water daily and sends those random samples for testing which must meet provincial government requirements.
Isaaks began a comment regarding health requirements and the COVID-19 pandemic, but Povaschuk immediately interrupted her by saying, “It has nothing to do with COVID.”
Isaaks again asked the town council to form a task force to potentially reduce the amount of chlorine in Hanna’s tap water.
Povaschuk responded that Isaak’s request was based only on one person’s opinion.
According to Alberta Environment, chlorination of tap water is an important part of water safety. “After source water has been filtered it must be disinfected to treat any bacteria, viruses and protozoa that did not get removed during filtration,” stated Alberta Environment’s website. “A chlorine residual must also be maintained throughout the distribution system to keep treated water safe.
“Chlorine is the most common disinfectant used in Alberta, although there are alternatives such as chloramines, ozone and ultraviolet radiation. Each type of disinfectant has advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when designing a waterworks facility.”
Public presentations are made to Hanna council as information and this reporter was informed Jan. 20 that there is no expectation of action on those presentations.
