RMOW Community Water System - Inspection Report

Inspection Information:

This facility was given a low hazard rating.
More information on hazard ratings.

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

Code	Description / Observation / Corrective Action
304	Inadequate Water Quality / Disinfection / Treatment / Quantity Observation: 25 Inadequate treatment for the removal of parasitic cysts of Giardia / Cryptosporidium Corrective Action: This issue was first identified in our inspection report dated 18-Jul-2002, wherein we stated ..." As we discussed, the existing chlorine based disinfection process is not considered to be effective for the removal of Giardia or Cryptosporidium. I note the RMOW is undertaking a groundwater resource study with a view of conversion to exclusive use of groundwater supplies, and agree this is logically the first consideration. In the event you must still maintain reliance on surface water sources, the best long term approach would be to move towards filtration (ie membrane filtration) of surface supplies for the removal of turbidity, cysts, etc. In the interim, consideration should be given to installing a secondary treatment barrier (ie UV treatment), provided the surface sources can be by-passed to avoid turbidity peaks. The extensive recreational access within the surface water catchment areas underscores the importance of this additional measure to prevent the transmission of waterborne disease." The requirement to confirm plans for enhanced surface water treatment is a condition of your Permit to Operate. Following the KWL report on RMOW's Long Term Water Strategy and the recently completed D & K 21-Mile Creek UV Treatment System Design Brief, we understand progress has been made with this requirement however please confirm a date by which a Construction Permit Application will be made.
310	Other (Specify) Observation: 05 Non-compliance with the conditions of the Operating Permit Corrective Action: To date we have not received a copy of your cross connection control program.

Actions Taken:
Information Exchanged
See public comments.

Comments:
The bacteriological sample range report for 2007 is extensive and demonstrates satisfactory water quality was maintained throughout the year. However please recognize this does not address our long term concerns to address the need for additional treatment processes to protect against protozoa organisms such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. We anticipate meeting with RMOW staff to review compliance with other terms and conditions of your Permit to Operate including: Provide a Cross-Connection Control Program; Provide a Uni-Directional Flushing Program; Maintain a Drinking Water Quality Sampling Program as prescribed; Review the Well Protection Plan for each well source; Review the Emergency Response Plan and update annually; Report annually the monitoring results as prescribed; The RMOW has been pro-active in providing continuous on-line monitoring for turbidity at each surface source; as well as continuous on-line monitoring of the water disinfection process - at both the source and within the distribution system. I appreciate the efforts of your staff in maintaining a close working relationship and open communication over many years - thank you.