Residents in Regina, Saskatchewan, may notice a stronger taste or smell in their tap water starting February 17, 2026, as officials have increased chlorine levels to keep the supply safe. Despite the change, the water is still safe for all household uses, including drinking, cooking, and making baby formula.
The City of Regina and the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant raised the chlorine because microscopic organisms called copepods entered the water system. This happened while a part of the treatment process was turned off for planned repairs during a $325.6 million upgrade project.
To ensure the water meets provincial health standards, the treatment plant is also using carbon filters and ultraviolet light as extra layers of safety. Officials say the changes to the taste and odour are only aesthetic and do not pose any health risks to the community.
Regina residents might notice the change in their water about a day later than people in Moose Jaw because of the time it takes for water to travel through the pipes. To help reduce the smell of chlorine, residents can leave a pitcher of water on the counter for a few hours before drinking it.
The large-scale renovation of the water treatment plant is expected to be fully completed by the March 2026.
