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 Low hazard rating. More info


Inspection Information

Facility Type

2-14 Connections

Inspection Type

Routine

Inspection Date

September 25, 2025

Number of critical violations

1

Number of non-critical violations

4



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


Code
Description

311

Critical Interruption of Treatment

There is currently a boil water notice due to UV failure.

Corrective Actions: The UV system must be repaired. This repair must not be completed until a construction permit or waiver is obtained from our office. Timeline: Timeline for repair has not yet been set.

316

Non-Critical Source unprotected and subject to contamination

The wellhead does not have a proper cap/cover. It is covered by a tarp, plywood, and weighted top.

Corrective Actions: Repair the wellhead to provide a secure, vermin proof, watertight cap or cover. Timeline: Complete this repair within 3 month's time

317

Non-Critical Inadequate or improper construction of water works

Construction has occurred on the water system without approval from our office.

Corrective Actions: Provide the documentation required for a construction permit waiver or permit request for our office's review. This is for any waterline replacement or other construction that has occurred without approval. Timeline: Complete within 3 month's time

322

Non-Critical Emergency Response Plan

An emergency response plan has been submitted in 2012, but this information is outdated. A drought plan has also been submitted.

Corrective Actions: Update the ERP and review it annually. Timeline: Complete within 3 month's time

323

Non-Critical Other

An annual report has not been provided to water users or our office since 2018.

Corrective Actions: Complete the 2024 annual report and submit it to our office and provide it to the water users. Ensure all annual reports are completed within six months of the year's end. Timeline: Complete within 3 month's time



Comments
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION: The water source is a shallow dug well that is 13 ft deep with a 48 inch diameter, unknown surface seal, sufficient stick up (>12 inches), and standing water level of approximately 10 ft that the operator states is variable with the level of the adjacent river. No well log could be located for this well although there is a well ID plate affixed with number 13876. Chemical exceedances were noted for copper, but testing was conducted on treated water and the source of the copper is yet to be determined. The system is currently on a boil water notice due to UV failure. The Groundwater at Risk of Containing Pathogens assessment is underway. Once complete, the results of this assessment will be provided to the operator. CONNECTIONS: 12 POPULATION: 25 WATER SYSTEM: 1. Pump: Goulds CentriPro J06853L 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 The following items require action by the water system operator: 1. OPERATOR TRAINING: The water system operator has not completed any water system training. ACTION: The operator must complete BCWWA's small water system course or equivalent training as approved by the drinking water officer (DWO). Timeline: One year's time. 2. ASSESSMENTS: A source to tap assessment was completed in 2005. ACTION: Complete the Island Health Source and System Assessment and submit the completed document to our office. Once this is complete, source protection planning can be completed. Timeline: 3 month's time (Dec 26, 2025) 3. BACTERIOLOGICAL TESTING: The current frequency of bacteriological sampling meets does not meet Schedule B of the Drinking Water Protection Regulation. Raw water testing is also not being completed. ACTION: Propose at least 2 sampling sites to be completed biweekly. Raw water sampling must also be completed at least biweekly if a sampling port is available. Timeline: No timeline set 4.FULL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS: A chemical analysis was complete on October 30, 2024 on treated water. Copper was above the required health standard; however, this testing was completed on treated water and may have been affected by plumbing/fixtures within the building. ACTION: Retest copper on raw water (where sampling port is available). Ensure routine chemical analysis are completed every 3-5 years or more frequently as directed by the DWO. 6. OTHER: ACTION: Develop an operation and maintenance manual Include in this manual a maintenance log and ensure records are maintained for all maintenance activities. 7. OTHER: No spare parts are kept available. ACTION: Spare filters and bulbs should be kept onsite to ensure they are available when needed. 8. OTHER: ACTION: The pumphouse requires repair including repair to any interior surfaces to cover all friable materials such as insulation, repair to any access/holes for pests, and remove all vegetation around pumphouse to deter pests. 9. OTHER: ACTION: Provide specifications on the cartridge filter being used. 10. OTHER: ACTION: Contact the Ministry to determine if a water license is required for your groundwater usage.