The Cleaner, Greener, More Affordable Water Cooler for Calgary

Looking back, Calgary has a dirty history when it comes to its water supply. Although the western Canadian city sits at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River, runoff contaminated the Calgary water supply up until the 1920s and 1930s. Eventually, the city took action by constructing the Glenmore Dam and a water purification plant in 1933.

Today, Calgary water comes from the Rocky Mountains west of the city. Rain and snow melt travels from surrounding creeks and rivers from the mountains before collecting in a basin-like landform, called a watershed. The Glenmore Reservoir continues to service the city, which collects water from the Elbow River. According to Calgary Water Services, the Elbow River sources about 40% of Calgary drinking water. The Bow River Watershed, one of 3 main tributaries of the South Saskatchewan River, supplies the remaining 60% of Calgary water.

The Bearspaw Plant handles the majority of Calgary water treatment for the north of the city. Meanwhile, the Glenmore Plant services southern Calgary residents. However, runoff can impact the colour and odour of water at different points of the year, particularly during the spring.  Calgary drinking water may also experience seasonal levels of geosmin, a non-toxic aquatic compound that causes a musty taste. Residents also complain about rust and sediment diminishing Calgary water quality caused by water main repairs and construction.