Island Health
1952 Bay Street Victoria, B.C. V8R 1J8 | Visit Official Website (opens in a new tab)
7860 McKenzie Road Port Alberni, BC V9Y 6M6
This facility was given a High hazard rating. More info


Inspection Information

Facility Type

2-14 Connections

Inspection Type

Routine

Inspection Date

September 10, 2026

Number of critical violations

1

Number of non-critical violations

6



Violations:
A summary of the violations found during the inspection are listed below.


Code
Description

311

Critical Interruption of Treatment

The system is currently on a boil water notice due to UV failure.

Corrective Actions: The UV system must be repaired back to a condition where it can properly disinfect the water. Bacteriological results must consistently produce negative (zero total coliform and E. coli). Take the following actions: 1. Submit a construction permit or waiver application to the health protection office. The proposed plans must be approved by the public health engineer prior to commencing works. 2. Once approval has been granted, commence with the modifications. 3. Contact the area EHO once completed to schedule follow-up. This is to verify that the works were done in accordance to approved plans. 4. Continue with scheduled sampling. Upon successful repair of UV, at least two bacteriological samples spaced at least 24 hours apart, must produce a negative total coliform and E. coli result. Timeline: Timeline for repair has not yet been set. Timeline updated: December 28, 2026.

314

Non-Critical Improper maintenance of distribution system

No operator on-site with small water systems training. The water supplier must designate a water operator who has training in water system operations.

Corrective Actions: Identify this person and complete the smaller water systems training (e.g., BCWWA's Small Water System course).

316

Non-Critical Source unprotected and subject to contamination

The wellhead does not have a proper cap/cover. It is covered by a tarp and a roof segment. There's no watertight seal which can lead to the infiltration or pests and surface water.

Corrective Actions: Repair the wellhead to provide a secure, vermin proof, watertight cap or cover. Timeline updated: December 28, 2026.

316

Non-Critical Source unprotected and subject to contamination

The well does not have adequate source protection features, such as a clear enclosure or signage. The well is readily accessible to the public and wildlife, which may increase the risk of contamination of the water source.

Corrective Actions: Provide appropriate source protection measures to restrict access to the wellhead and reduce the potential for contamination.

318

Non-Critical Inadequate Microbiological Analysis data

Bacteriological sampling does not meet the four minimum samples monthly. Number of samples averages between 2-3 samples monthly.

Corrective Actions: New sampling site created after discussion with operator. Ensure to submit two samples biweekly to meet the four required monthly. Existing sampling schedule: 1. Sites 1 and 9 generates requisitions biweekly. 2. Raw/crude water sampling is monthly. Note: If there's any changes to the sampling schedule, connect with area EHO.

322

Non-Critical Emergency Response Plan

An emergency response plan has been submitted in 2012, but this information is outdated. the drought component is also not submitted.

Corrective Actions: Take the following actions: 1. Draft and submit an Emergency Response Plan to the area EHO. Templates will be emailed to the operator. Review the provincial ERP guideline to ensure all required components are addressed. 2. Update the ERP and review it annually. Timeline updated: December 28, 2026.

323

Non-Critical Other

The annual report for 2025 was not submitted before June 30.

Corrective Actions: Take the following actions: 1. Complete the 2025 annual report and submit it to our office. 2. Provide a copy to all water users. 3. Ensure all annual reports, moving forward, are completed within six months of the year's end (June 30).



Comments
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION: The water source is a shallow dug well (ID: 134355) that is 13 ft deep, unknown surface seal, and sufficient stick up (>12 inches). No well log is available. The system purveys water to a 12-unit trailer court. The system is currently on a Boil Water Advisory since February 2022, due to UV failure and no power. A chemical analysis from January 2026, focusing on copper, was below the MAC. No other exceedances were noted in the October 2024 report. The Groundwater at Risk of Containing Pathogens (GARP) assessment was completed in December 2025 and determined that the source is at risk of containing pathogens. The existing system does not meet the Drinking Water Treatment Objectives (Microbiological) for Surface Water Supplies in British Columbia. CONNECTIONS: 12. POPULATION: 25 max. WATER SYSTEM: 1. Pump: Goulds CentriPro Model C48AA34A06 2. Pressure Tank: Well-X-Trol WX-350 3. Cartridge Filter: Unknown type/size 4. UV System: Trojan UV Max Model F EOCP STATUS: Small water system. Action items: 1. System has been on a long-term Boil Water Notice (BWN) since February 2022. The water source is also determined to be at risk of containing pathogens, and under the direct influence of surface water, requiring upgrades to treatment components. ACTION: Submit an implementation plan for getting off the BWN, to area EHO by December 15, 2026 (3 months later). Letter will follow regarding what to include in the plan. 2. Operator is making preparations for replacing the UV system and the well lid. ACTION: Complete/submit the construction permit waiver application(s) to obtain approval from the Public Health Engineer. Forms were already provided to the operator. Do not commence works until written approval is issued. 3. A source and system assessment must be completed to identify threats to the water system. ACTION: Complete this assessment and submit it to our office. Deadline: October 9, 2026. 4. The cartridge filter onsite has unknown size specifications. ACTION: Connect with the contracted plumber to verify the size specifications for the cartridge filter. Provide this information to area EHO. 5. Facility doesn't have a water license on file. ACTION: Connect with Front Counter BC to verify if there's an existing water license in their records. If there's none, apply for water licensing. Provide proof of license (or the assigned number) to the health department. 6. Pumphouse door still shows light and crevices when the door is closed. This could allow for the entry of pest activity. ACTION: Ensure all potential gaps, crevices, and potential entry points are sealed. 7. Facility doesn't have operation and maintenance logs readily available. ACTION: Moving onwards, maintain physical records of any works or maintenance done on the system (i.e., cartridge filter or UV bulb change) with the date/details. These will be requested for viewing in future inspections. Comments: - Water system contracts the services of a plumber. They conduct maintenance activities such as replacing the cartridge filter. Operator stated that it's usually replaced one time a year. Last change: November 2025. - Operator has difficulty registering for BCWWA small water systems course, reporting having to join a waitlist. An update to the operator will follow. - Nearby onsite sewage disposal systems are present. The nearest septic system (from the 1970s) is shared between sites 5 and 6. Operator stated that there's no changes in terms of its placement. - Pumphouse insulation material had been replaced with Styrofoam like material. Mesh screening was implemented on the door to prevent the entry of pests. - Rocks and gravel were also added around the pumphouse foundation.