Northern Alberta’s industrial, agricultural, and residential sectors face unique water management challenges. Seasonal weather extremes, variable soil conditions, and large-scale industrial activity all contribute to the complexity of keeping water clean and compliant with environmental standards.

For many operators, the two most common issues are controlling stormwater runoff and maintaining the quality of dugout water. While these are very different water sources, they share a need for efficient, scalable treatment solutions that can deliver measurable results.

The Challenge of Stormwater in Industrial Areas

Stormwater runoff in northern Alberta can carry a heavy contaminant load. Construction sites, oil sands operations, mining facilities, and even urban areas contribute to sediment, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants entering stormwater systems.

In high-rainfall or rapid snowmelt events, the volume of runoff can overwhelm basic containment or settling systems. Without proper treatment, this water can exceed NTU and PPM discharge limits, potentially leading to environmental harm and regulatory penalties.

Common stormwater contaminants include:

• Fine sediment from exposed soil and unpaved areas
• Hydrocarbons from machinery and vehicle traffic
• Metals and construction-related debris
• Cement particles from concrete works
• Nutrients from nearby agricultural activity

Dugouts: An Essential but Vulnerable Water Source

Dugouts are a vital water storage method in northern Alberta, particularly for agricultural and industrial use in remote areas. However, dugout water is prone to problems such as:

• Sediment accumulation from wind, runoff, and erosion
• Algae growth in warm seasons
• Hydrocarbon contamination from nearby operations
• Fine clay particles that cause persistent turbidity

These issues can reduce water usability, affect irrigation systems, or lead to compliance challenges if the water is discharged.

Why TigerFloc Works for Both Applications

TigerFloc is a proven solution for high-turbidity water, capable of binding and settling a wide range of contaminants in a single step. Its composition — natural clay minerals for contaminant binding and silica-based coagulants for rapid particle clumping — makes it effective for stormwater and dugout treatment alike.

Key performance benefits:

• Rapid turbidity reduction (500 NTU to 8 NTU in 30 seconds in field testing)
• Effective on solids, hydrocarbons, metals, and organic matter
• Minimal dosage requirements for large volumes
• Eco-friendly and safe for use in environmentally sensitive areas

Deployment in the Field

Stormwater

TigerFloc can be deployed through socks or belts in discharge channels, allowing continuous treatment during rain events or snowmelt. For larger containment basins, bulk dosing can quickly bring water into compliance before release.

Dugouts

Treatment typically involves jar testing to determine the right dose, followed by direct application to the dugout. Once the floc settles, the clarified water can be used for irrigation, industrial processes, or safe discharge.

Seasonal Considerations

In northern Alberta, treatment timing matters. For stormwater, systems should be in place before peak runoff seasons. Dugouts benefit from treatment in spring to remove accumulated sediment and again in late summer if algae or turbidity increases.

The Big-Picture Benefits

For operators managing stormwater or dugouts, TigerFloc delivers more than just clear water:

• Regulatory compliance with NTU and PPM discharge limits
• Operational efficiency by reducing settling times from days to minutes
• Cost control through low dosage requirements and simple deployment
• Environmental protection for nearby rivers, wetlands, and lakes

Conclusion

Stormwater and dugout water treatment in northern Alberta requires solutions that can handle high contaminant loads, large volumes, and variable conditions. TigerFloc’s proven performance and adaptability make it a trusted choice for industries, municipalities, and agricultural operations across the region. Contact Floc Systems to learn how TigerFloc can help you meet your water treatment needs, whether you are preparing for the next storm or maintaining a critical dugout supply.