Gillies Bay Improvement District Water System - Inspection Report

Inspection Information:

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

Violations:
No violations were found during the inspection

Actions Taken:
Information Exchanged

Comments:
Chemical Assessment: As per request from VCH, the last water sample for testing chemical parameters was a raw water sample collected November 4, 2021. The results of the water test show that health-related chemical parameters were within the safe levels according to the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Bacteriological Assessment: 117 bacteriological samples were collected from the distribution system (4 sample sites). Permit conditions require that bacteriological sampling must be done on a regular basis throughout this year – GBID have been submitting an average of 8 samples a month. 39 raw, untreated samples were also collected from the intake area. The frequency of monitoring samples (bacteria) was adequate and met requirements of Schedule B, Drinking Water Protection Regulation. For total coliforms, 7.70% of water samples taken from the distribution system had total coliforms detected (9 samples out of 117). The potability standard in Schedule A, Drinking Water Protection Regulation requires 10% or less of collected sample to have presence of total coliform; therefore the water samples met the potability standard in Schedule A, Drinking Water Protection Regulation. During the episodes of total coliform detection, the source of total coliform was believed to be due to reoccurring environmental factors. Total coliforms have been an ongoing issue in the summer months for GBID. Boil Water Advisories were put in place from: April 29, 2022 to May 6, 2022 due to chlorinator malfunctioning. August 25, 2022 to November 15, 2022 due to excessive turbidity. Each time, the operator had flushed the system and provided two consecutive clear tests before lifting the boil water advisory. A For E. coli testing, the water samples met the potability standard in Schedule A, Drinking Water Protection Regulation. Summary of Issues and Activities: As mentioned above, Boil Water Advisories were issued from April 29, 2022 to May 6, 2022 and from August 25, 2022 to November 15, 2022. GBID’s measurement of chlorine residuals and bacterial samples during these periods was prompt and comprehensive. The Boil Water Advisory was lifted (by permission of the DWO) when a combination of clear bacterial sampling and chlorine residual testing indicated that safe, potable water had returned to the distribution system. The new operator is very prompt and diligent. Emergency Response and Contingency Plan (ERCP) was submitted to VCH in February 2022. As there has been a change in VCH's Medical Health Officer, an ERCP template will be supplied to GBID to update their ERCP for 2023. An annual report for 2022 (for public distribution) was submitted and accepted. Please ensure that a similar annual report (for your water system users) is submitted that covers the calendar year of 2022 by June 2023. A water-sample range report (PDF version) of all bacteria tests taken in 2022 has been provided to the operator along with this inspection report. As per the operating permit condition, GBID should continue the process to establish long-term plans for secondary treatment. A pilot project (RE’SEAU), has produced a report in determining solutions to the drinking water issues of GBID. GBID has been working towards securing grants and funding in order to improve the water system. Our office considers the highest priority of upgrade to be meeting the Drinking Water Treatment Objective for Surface Water Supplies in British Columbia: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/waterquality/how-drinking-water-is-protected-in-bc/part_b_-_5_surface_water_treatment_objectives.pdf With aging infrastructure, and periodic presence of total coliforms, there is a strong case to evaluate your water system for provision of secondary disinfection to protect water in the distribution system.