The Town of Devon owns and operates a Class 3 Water Treatment System in accordance with approvals and licences issued by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEP). Our system is designed to ensure safe, clean, and reliable drinking water for all residents and businesses.
Step 1: Source Water
Devon’s drinking water is sourced from the North Saskatchewan River. Raw water is pumped directly from the river to the Town’s water treatment plant for processing.
Step 2: Coagulation and Flocculation
As the water enters the plant, a coagulant (alum) is added. This helps attract dirt, clay, and other small particles in the water, causing them to bind together into larger clumps known as “floc.” This process is called flocculation.
Step 3: Clarification
The floc particles become heavy and settle out of the water in a process called clarification, removing the majority of suspended solids.
Step 4: Membrane Filtration
The clarified water then passes through a membrane microfiltration system. Water flows through a synthetic membrane with extremely small pores that prevent microorganisms and very fine particles from passing through. This advanced filtration step provides an additional layer of protection.
Step 5: Final Treatment and Disinfection
Before the water leaves the plant:
Ongoing Monitoring and Testing
Devon’s water is continuously monitored to ensure it meets all regulatory standards:
Our treated water consistently meets all requirements set by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEP) and Alberta Health Services.
Distribution to the Community
Once treatment is complete, water is pumped to a reservoir and then distributed through the Town’s underground system to homes and businesses throughout Devon.
The Town of Devon operates a Class 3 Wastewater Treatment System in accordance with approvals and licences issued by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEP). After treatment, the clean effluent (treated wastewater) is safely discharged into the North Saskatchewan River.
Step 1: Screening
Wastewater from homes and businesses flows through the Town’s underground collection system to the wastewater treatment plant.
When it arrives at the plant, it first passes through coarse screens that remove large debris and solid materials. These materials are collected and disposed of at a landfill. The wastewater then moves through a finer screening process to remove smaller particles before continuing to treatment.
Step 2: Biological Treatment (Aeration)
The screened wastewater enters aeration tanks, where air is added to support the growth of beneficial bacteria. These naturally occurring microorganisms:
This biological process is a critical step in cleaning the water.
Step 3: Phosphorus Removal
To further improve water quality, a coagulant (aluminum sulphate) is added to remove phosphorus. This helps protect the health of the North Saskatchewan River by reducing nutrients that can contribute to excessive algae growth.
The wastewater then passes through a membrane filtration system. This advanced technology filters out very small particles, producing exceptionally clean effluent.
Step 5: UV Disinfection
Before being released, the treated wastewater undergoes ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. UV light neutralizes any remaining microorganisms without the use of chemicals, providing a final layer of protection.
Biosolids Management
The treatment process also produces sludge, known as biosolids. These biosolids are transported to a composting facility, where they are processed into nutrient-rich compost for beneficial reuse.
Through careful treatment, testing, and regulatory oversight, Devon’s wastewater treatment system protects public health and preserves the quality of the North Saskatchewan River.