News Release from Epcor
March 11, 2002

EPCOR Installs World's Largest Ultraviolet Water Treatment System in Edmonton

Edmonton, AB - EPCOR Water Services is installing the world's largest ultraviolet (UV) water treatment system at its E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant in Edmonton, Alberta.

EPCOR is using the Sentinel™ UV Disinfection System, developed by Calgon Carbon Corporation. The Sentinel™ system uses intense beams of ultraviolet light, the same as those from the sun, to provide highly efficient inactivation of viruses, bacteria and protozoa.

"EPCOR already has one of the best water treatment processes in the world, but you need to keep improving if you want to remain the best and continue to surpass water quality regulations," says Allan Davies, President of EPCOR Water Services.

EPCOR says the Sentinel™ system will significantly increase the company's ability to treat organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia (commonly known as beaver fever) – intestinal protozoa, which can cause illnesses if left untreated.

"We see this as the next step in the evolution of water treatment," says Davies. "UV technology can be added to almost any existing treatment plant and can provide anywhere from 100 to 1000 times the current safety factor for certain pathogens in a very cost-effective manner."

The $10 million UV system installation is the major component of an overall upgrade at the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant.

The UV treatment system is drawing interest from municipalities across western Canada. EPCOR will be showcasing the new treatment facility to utility representatives in the coming weeks and plans to market the Sentinel™ system.

EPCOR conducts over 140,000 water quality tests each year and the company's internal standards for water quality are even stricter than those required by provincial regulations and national guidelines. Another Sentinel system has been purchased for the Canmore Water Treatment Plant, which is operated by EPCOR, and the Rossdale Water Treatment Plant in Edmonton will have a Sentinel system installed within two years.

EPCOR is one of Canada's top providers of energy and energy-related services and products. EPCOR owns and operates power plants, electrical transmission and distribution networks, builds and operates water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure and provides power, water and natural gas to its expanding customer base. With $4 billion in assets and a customer base of 1.6 million, EPCOR is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta and has operations throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. More information about EPCOR can be found on our website at www.epcor.ca.