Improving Water Quality with Orthophosphate: What It Means for Our Community
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As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering safe, clean drinking water, the Exploits Regional Water Treatment Plant is introducing orthophosphate into the treatment process. This proven method is widely used across North America and offers several important benefits for both public health and infrastructure.
What is Orthophosphate?
Orthophosphate is a safe, certified additive used in drinking water systems to reduce corrosion in pipes and plumbing. It forms a protective layer inside pipes, helping to prevent metals like iron and lead from leaching into the water.
Key Benefits for Our Community:
- Protects Public Health: Reduces the risk of lead exposure, especially in older homes with aging plumbing systems.
- Improves Water Clarity: Minimizes rust and discoloration for clearer, more aesthetically appealing water.
- Extends Infrastructure Life: Reduces wear on pipes, valves, and fittings, lowering long-term maintenance costs.
- Certified Safe: Meets NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 standards for drinking-water treatment chemicals.
- Cost-Efficient and Sustainable: In recent years, the region produced over 863 million litres of extra water because of flushing to manage discolouration, costing about $100,000 in treatment chemicals alone. By reducing corrosion, orthophosphate will cut unnecessary water loss, save taxpayer dollars, and lower environmental impact over time.
A Step Forward in Water Stewardship:
The use of orthophosphate reflects our proactive approach to protecting both our water system and the health of our residents. It’s a small change with big benefits – and part of our broader investment in safe, sustainable water for everyone.
Additional Fact:
For the cost of a single bottle of water ($1.75), you could produce 6,481 litres of clean tap water right here at home. Investing in public water infrastructure ensures long-term affordability and reduces plastic waste.
This project has been reviewed and approved by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Environment and Climate Change, which issued a permit in December 2024 authorizing installation and operation of the new orthophosphate mixing and dosing system. This ensures the work meets the highest provincial safety and water-quality standards.
