What you should know before heading into the North Saskatchewan River this summer

The North Saskatchewan River is one of Edmonton’s defining features, but it’s also the subject of an ongoing debate about whether it’s safe to swim, skate, float, or paddle.

Winding through the heart of the city, the river is the source of our drinking water and is used year-round for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, floating, fishing, gold panning and more.

But for as long as people have been enjoying the river, they’ve also debated its safety, from the quality of the water to whether or not it’s safe for swimming.

So, with summer in full swing, the City of Edmonton and Epcor have some handy advice and are dispelling some of the long-standing myths surrounding the North Saskatchewan River.

Water quality

According to Epcor, the North Saskatchewan River is excellent for recreation and aquatic life, and typically sits below applicable water quality guidelines for bacteria such as E. coli, algal toxins, and clarity.

“Most of the water in the North Saskatchewan River comes from snowpack in the headwaters, and because this landscape remains largely forested and pristine, water quality remains high on its way to Edmonton,” Epcor says.

The utility company notes there are exceptions, like during the spring melt or summer storms, when water quality can change. During these periods, you may notice your tap water has a stronger chlorine smell.

You might also like:
• This Alberta spot is seeing the largest rise in detached house prices
• This $1.1M Edmonton home is tucked away in a lush secret garden
• Alberta destination named one of the quietest places in the world

Water clarity

Many people mistake the river’s silty colour for a sign that it’s dirty, but that’s not the case. The river is naturally sediment-rich, and when there’s increased runoff, it causes erosion that lifts silt off the river bed, giving the river its muddy appearance.

When water levels recede, often in late summer, the water becomes clear and shallow, making it great for recreation

Epcor says water quality downstream of the city has improved significantly in the past 60 years through better sewage treatment at the Goldbar Wastewater treatment plant and improved regulation and management of other discharges into the river.

Albert Vasser/Shutterstock

So, does that mean it’s safe to swim?

Not exactly, or at least not without a life-jacket.

Throughout most of the summer and fall, water levels are generally safe for paddling and on-water recreation, provided you take necessary safety precautions.

Swimming is a different story. The City of Edmonton strongly discourages entering the river without a life-jacket or other personal flotation device. While the North Saskatchewan River may appear slow-moving on the surface, it can be unpredictable, with fast currents beneath the water, strong undertows and hazards like debris, floating trees, and muddy shorelines.

“No matter the season, the river presents significant risks due to its unpredictable nature, including powerful undertows and hidden dangers like submerged debris, drifting logs and unstable, muddy banks.”

We’ll stick to dipping our feet in where it’s safe.