The City of Dauphin operates a public water system that supplies drinking water to homes and businesses throughout the community. The City's Water Treatment Plant treats the water to meet provincial drinking water requirements before it is delivered to consumers.
The City monitors water quality through regular testing, treatment processes, and operational procedures designed to protect public health.
Where does Dauphin's drinking water come from?
Dauphin's drinking water comes from Edwards Creek, a surface water source located near Riding Mountain National Park.
When additional water is required, the City can draw from Edwards Lake within Riding Mountain National Park, depending on available water supplies. The Vermillion Reservoir Dam is also used when needed.
Raw water is transported through a pumping system to the City's Water Treatment Plant, where it undergoes several treatment processes before being distributed to the community.
How is our drinking water treated?
Dauphin's Water Treatment Plant uses multiple treatment processes to remove impurities, reduce contaminants, and disinfect drinking water before it reaches consumers.
The treatment process includes:
- Mixing and sedimentation: Treatment chemicals are added to help suspended particles come together and settle out of the water.
- Ozonation: Ozone is used to help disinfect the water, break down certain substances, and improve taste and odour.
- Filtration: Water passes through sand and anthracite filters to remove remaining particles.
- Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection: UV treatment provides an additional layer of protection against microorganisms.
- Chlorination: Chlorine is added to disinfect the water and help keep it disinfected as it travels through the distribution system.
- Fluoridation: Fluoride is added to support dental health.
- Corrosion control: Orthophosphates are added to help reduce the release of lead into drinking water from certain older plumbing materials.
These treatment processes work together to produce drinking water that meets applicable water quality requirements.
Drinking water quality and testing
The City of Dauphin regularly monitors and tests drinking water to ensure it meets applicable provincial standards and requirements.
Water quality monitoring includes:
- Bacteriological testing: Regular sampling for bacteria, including E. coli and total coliforms.
- Disinfection monitoring: Monitoring chlorine levels to ensure adequate disinfection throughout the system.
- Turbidity testing: Monitoring water clarity and the effectiveness of filtration.
- Chemical testing: Testing for substances such as arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, lead, and other water quality parameters.
Testing takes place at the Water Treatment Plant and at designated locations throughout the distribution system.
Detailed water quality results are available in the City's annual reports below.
Lead in drinking water
Lead can enter drinking water through certain older service lines, plumbing materials, and fixtures.
In March 2019, Health Canada lowered the maximum acceptable concentration of lead in drinking water from 0.010 milligrams per litre (mg/L) to 0.005 mg/L. Manitoba adopted this standard in 2020. The guideline applies to water samples collected at the consumer's tap, as lead levels can vary depending on the plumbing materials used in individual properties.
The City of Dauphin uses corrosion control treatment to help reduce the release of lead into drinking water from older plumbing materials. Residential lead testing is also conducted as part of the City's water quality monitoring program.
Residents can find additional information about lead in drinking water, including testing and ways to reduce exposure, through the Province of Manitoba's Lead in Drinking Water resources.
Annual water system reports
The City of Dauphin prepares annual reports outlining the operation and performance of its public water system.
These reports include information about water sources, treatment processes, water quality testing, regulatory compliance, infrastructure improvements, and other operational activities.