The City of Brantford has announced the installation of four reverse osmosis (RO) units at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The move is aimed at reducing nitrate levels in the municipal drinking water supply, which is drawn from the Grand River.
City officials say the installation is a proactive measure in response to seasonal increases in nitrate concentrations that typically occur during the winter and early spring. The elevated levels are linked to upstream agricultural runoff, livestock operations, and discharges from wastewater treatment facilities into the Grand River and its tributaries.
According to the City, Brantford’s drinking water has never exceeded the provincial Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) for nitrates, which is set at 10 milligrams per litre. However, the potential for increases during colder months—when biological activity in the river slows—prompted officials to implement additional safeguards.
Reverse osmosis is a treatment process that uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, effectively removing nitrates and other contaminants. City staff report that the new units are already operational and reducing nitrate levels in the treated water.
“Implementing a system of this scale typically takes up to five months,” said Selvi Kongara, Director of Environmental Services for the City of Brantford. “Thanks to the dedicated, around-the-clock efforts of Water Operations staff, we fast-tracked the commissioning and installation process in just six weeks.”
Mayor Kevin Davis acknowledged the completion of the project in a statement issued Wednesday. “The health and safety of our residents is always the City’s top priority,” Davis said. “City staff worked with urgency to deliver this critical project ahead of schedule, ensuring that our drinking water continues to meet high safety standards.”
The RO units are described by the City as a short-term solution. Longer-term plans include groundwater blending and broader upgrades to the water treatment system.
Brantford’s drinking water is tested multiple times each day to ensure compliance with provincial standards. The City maintains that the water is safe for all residents.
Additional information about nitrates in drinking water and the City’s monitoring and treatment efforts is available at brantford.ca/nitrate or by contacting 519-759-4150.
