Facility Type
2-14 Connections
Inspection Type
Routine
Inspection Date
February 9, 2022
Number of critical violations
0
Number of non-critical violations
2
316
Non-Critical Source unprotected and subject to contamination
1.The raw water reservoir roof appeared loaded with organic materials (decaying leaves) and did not appear to be pest-proof. 2. The reservoir overflow pipe was not operational during the inspection and water was observed to be spilling over the rim of the reservoir. Proper raw water storage is an important factor in the protection of the drinking water source and should include measures such as protection from contamination, proper ventilation, and adequate screening/sealing to prevent entry by pests.
Corrective Actions: 1. Ensure decayed material is removed from the roof of the raw water reservoir. Rotten wood hatch covers are to be replaced and the reservoir is to be pest-proofed. The fence gate is to be kept locked in between periods of access. 2. Ensure ongoing Best Practices for source water protection.
321
Non-Critical Inadequate Treatment
During the inspection it was noted that inadequate maintenance and operation of the treatment system has been occurring; the ion exchange filter has not been serviced and operated as per manufacturer's instructions and design conditions. The ion exchange media is likely spent and not performing as per the 2014 design to reduce disinfection by-product precursors. The 1 micron absolute cartridge filter is being re-used, which is contrary to the manufacturer's instructions and may compromise the integrity and subsequent effectiveness of that treatment component. According to the manufacturer of the cartridge filters, only cartridge filters with micron ratings of 5 microns or more are cleanable and reusable. In addition, the Nextsand filter sand has been replaced with an alternate products, which may also be contributing to the deficiency of the filtration in reducing disinfection by-product precursors. The current operational state of the water system is in conflict with the approved design as per the construction permit W-CN-2632 dated April 24, 2014. This may result in water treatment not meeting the Drinking Water Treatment Objective (Microbiological) for Surface Water Supplies in British Columbia, for which it was designed. It was also noted that, as per the construction permit, caustic soda was to be included in the operation of the system, however during the inspection, caustic soda was not being utilized. This treatment component is required as a pH adjustment when the ion exchange unit is in full operation, which is critical as the subsequent disinfection step (chlorination) is highly dependent on pH to ensure its effectiveness in destroying pathogens. It was also observed during the inspection that the chlorine dosing pump (and the missing caustic soda dosing pump) was not interconnected with the water treatment plant pumps, which is not acceptable. Sodium hypochlorite must be dosed at a level to achieve an acceptable level of "CT" to provide virus inactivation (based on the CT table provided in the document Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document Enteric Viruses, April 2019), and at a level to achieve a residual chlorine level throughout the distribution system.
Corrective Actions: Ensure the system is maintained and is operated in accordance with 2014 design and the manufacturer's instructions for all treatment components, including, but not limited to, the ion exchange filter and cartridge filters. Submit a plan for maintenance of the Nextstand and ion exchange components to the Public Health Engineer (PHE) by March 21, 2022 for approval. The chemical doing pumps shall be elctronically interconnected with the water treatment plant pumps to only pump chlorine/caustic soda when the water treatment pumps are on. Alternatives, such as flow sensor switches, can also be used with approval from the PHE.
