WINNIPEG - July 10, 2008 – “As a result of algae growth in Winnipeg’s water supply, residents may notice an unusual taste and odour in their tap water,” says Diane Sacher, Manager of the City’s Water Services. “This is a condition we can experience each year.”

Sacher adds, “In addition to allowing us to meet drinking water quality guidelines, the water treatment plant we’re building will also reduce odour levels and improve the taste and appearance of our water. We expect to finish building the plant in 2009.”

Algae are plants that naturally live in bodies of water, including Shoal Lake, Winnipeg’s water source. When conditions are favourable, usually in the summer, the algae can grow in abundance, in what is called an ‘algae bloom’. Algae produce substances that can give our water an unpleasant taste and smell, often described as musty.  Algae could be a factor until late fall.

Dr. Margaret Fast, Medical Officer of Health with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says, “These tastes and odours may be unpleasant, but algae normally found in Winnipeg’s water supply are not known to cause adverse health effects. Residents can continue to use the water, and there is no need to take special precautions.” Winnipeg water is routinely tested during the summer season for substances produced by algae.

Increased algae growth can also cause home water treatment devices and water tap strainers and aerators to plug more frequently.  A build-up of sediment may also occur in hot water tanks. Residents are encouraged to perform regular maintenance on these devices to ensure that they continue to function satisfactorily.

Water filters and other home water treatment devices with this certification on their label can improve the taste and odour of tap water: ANSI/NSF Standard No. 42 for the reduction of taste and odour.

For more information on Winnipeg’s water, residents can:

• Visit winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/water
• See the two blue pages at the back of the MTS White Pages Phone Book
• Contact the Water and Waste Department Customer Service Centre by phone at 311 or by email atwater@winnipeg.ca

WINNIPEG - July 10, 2008 – Today, Mayor Sam Katz, Councillor Gord Steeves, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, Director of Community Services Clive Wightman, and Superintendent Art Stannard, on behalf of Police Chief Keith McCaskill, officially kicked-off the SPIN (Sport Programs in Inner City Neighbourhoods) summer soccer program with a five-on-five game against an inner city youth soccer team.

SPIN is an initiative of LiveSAFE, a City of Winnipeg crime prevention policy that is intended to address the root causes of crime by working collaboratively with the community and partners in implementing social, economic, health, educational and recreational measures with a particular emphasis on vulnerable children and youth.

The SPIN program is being led by the City of Winnipeg Community Services Department, in partnership with the General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres, Sport Manitoba, Manitoba Soccer Association, Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association, Winnipeg Alliance FC, Picnic in the Park, and over 25 host organizations. The free program is designed for children 6-14 years residing in inner city neighbourhoods, to be able to participate and learn basic skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership and fair play in a non-competitive environment.

Throughout the summer months, over 600 inner city children and youth will play regularly scheduled soccer games twice a week, culminating in Special Event Soccer Jamborees in July and August.