Moderate
Facility Location:
1 - 6241 Airport Road
Smithers, V0J 2N0
Facility Information:
| Facility Type: | 15-300 Connections |
| Current Hazard Rating: | Moderate |
This facility is currently under a Water Quality Advisory
 Underlying Problems: Chemical/physical sampling history shows variations in manganese concentrations from the source and within the distribution system with some samples exceeding the Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC). Manganese has long been considered only an aesthetic concern in drinking water (e.g. causing stains on laundry, plumbing fixtures, etc.). However, new scientific studies show potential health effects from exposure to long term exposure to high levels of manganese in drinking water. This new information was used to revise the guideline for manganese in drinking water in 2019.
Health Canada has set the Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) of 0.12 mg/L (120µg/L) for manganese in drinking water. The MAC is intended to protect all Canadians, but is based on the most vulnerable/sensitive population (e.g. infants and young children). If drinking water exceeds the MAC for manganese, another source of water, such as bottled water, should be used for preparing baby formula for infants and young children. Adults who drink water with manganese levels above the MAC are at lower risk than infants and children, but may wish to consider other sources of drinking water or home treatment systems. | |
| Steps Taken to Remedy: The Town of Smithers is currently investigating treatment options to reduce the levels of manganese. Information related to the advisory has been delivered door-to-door to impacted residents on July 06, 2023.
Chemical sampling (post treatment) should continue to be conducted annually but the Town of Smithers may consider more enhanced sampling to enhance understanding of manganese exposure events. The "Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Manganese" should be consulted to determine best practices. | |
| Corrective Actions Remaining: Provide a plan of action to the Health Authority by October 01, 2023. It is recommended that utilities develop a distribution system management plan to minimize the likelihood of manganese release events in the distribution system. Plan created should include approximate timelines for when actions identified would be taken.
A treatment plant is being proposed and hopes to be installed sometime in the spring of 2024.
Information related to the advisory to be included within the Annual Report and distributed to users annually. |
Facility Inspection History:
Click on an inspection link below to see additional details
| Document Type | Details | |
 Routine Inspection | 8-Jun-2023 | Moderate |
| Sample Range Report | 1-Jan-2022 to 31-Dec-2022 | |
| Sample Range Report | 1-Jan-2022 to 31-Dec-2022 | |
| Sample Range Report | 1-Jan-2022 to 1-Apr-2022 | |
| Routine Inspection | 15-Sep-2020 |  Low |
| Routine Inspection | 6-Dec-2018 | Low |
| Routine Inspection | 13-Jun-2017 | Low |
| Routine Inspection | 22-Aug-2013 | Low |
| Routine Inspection | 20-Sep-2012 | Low |
| Routine Inspection | 15-Mar-2012 | Low |
| Routine Inspection | 1-Oct-2010 | Low |
| Routine Inspection | 28-Oct-2009 | Low |
| Routine Inspection | 18-Sep-2008 | Low |
| Routine Inspection | 7-Nov-2007 | Low |
| Routine Inspection | 7-Sep-2005 | Low |