Drinking Water Upgrade: Secondary Disinfection

Effective Date: August 25, 2026

To ensure continued compliance with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, the Town of Valleyview is upgrading its water treatment process by introducing chloramination as a secondary disinfection method. Chlorination will continue to act as our primary disinfection method.

Why Are We Making This Change?

Valleyview’s drinking water comes from the Little Smoky River, which naturally contains organic material. When our primary disinfectant (chlorine) reacts with this material, it can form disinfection by-products known as trihalomethanes (THMs).

Keeping THM levels below the Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) is a strict requirement of Valleyview’s water system license. While previous improvements to our treatment and filtration systems have helped, introducing chloramine as a secondary disinfectant is necessary to further control THM formation. This method also provides a more stable, longer-lasting disinfectant residual throughout the entire distribution system.

Safety and Household Plumbing: The Science

A common question we receive is: If chloramine is safe to drink, why can it wear out plumbing parts?

The answer comes down to human biology versus stationary chemical oxidation.

• Your Body: Chloramine levels in public water supplies are kept very low. When you drink it, the enzymes in your saliva and stomach acid instantly neutralize the chloramine before it ever reaches your bloodstream. It is safely digested and excreted.

• Your Plumbing: Rubber plumbing components, such as toilet flappers or older gaskets, are stationary and in constant, 24/7 contact with the water. Because chloramine is a highly stable oxidizer, prolonged exposure slowly breaks down the carbon bonds in synthetic rubber, causing it to swell or become brittle over time. Chloramine-resistant replacement parts are widely available at hardware stores.

Important Information for Special Water Users

For most residents, daily use of water will remain unchanged. However, certain groups must take precautions:

• Kidney Dialysis Patients: Dialysis patients can safely drink and bathe in chloraminated water. However, chloramine must be removed from water used during the dialysis process. Patients who perform dialysis at home should consult their healthcare provider to ensure their equipment is properly adapted.

• Aquarium, Pond, Reptile, and Amphibian Owners: Fish and other aquatic animals require chloramine to be removed from the water before use. Because fish absorb water directly into their bloodstream through their gills, their bodies do not neutralize the chemical like a human digestive tract does. Special water conditioners or filtration systems designed for chloramine removal are available through pet suppliers and aquarium stores.

• Home Water Treatment: Unlike chlorine, chloramine is more persistent and will not dissipate simply by letting water stand or boiling it. If you have a home water treatment system, contact the manufacturer or supplier to confirm whether it is designed to remove chloramine.