RMOW-Community Water System - Inspection Report

Inspection Information:

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

Violations:
No violations were found during the inspection

Comments:
This is an annual assessment of the RMOW community water system undertaken March 29, 2023 Water Quality: 1. Bacteriological: A total of 352 treated samples were submitted for bacteriological testing in 2022 which met the minimum required sampling frequency. Three samples were too long in transit to be processed by the BCCDC laboratory. No samples were positive for e coli or total coliforms indicating overall bacteriological water quality in the treated water was consistently excellent throughout the year. A number of additional raw (untreated) samples were submitted from the various sources throughout the year as one means of monitoring the source water quality on an ongoing basis for significant changes. 2. Chemical/Physical: Samples for full water analyses were collected at 16 locations within the RMOW Community Water System in 2022. A review of the results does not indicate significant changes in source water quality. Generally speaking the various water sources exhibit pH values below the Operational Guidance range; as previously noted a project is underway to address the resultant corrosivity of the water. Given the varied water sources this process will involve the design and installation of a series of individual treatment systems. A Construction Permit application has been submitted for Phase 1 of the Cheakamus/Function treatment upgrade project; the first of these upgrades within the RMOW. At this time the RMOW has proposed to continue advising all consumers to flush water until cold before drinking, and to educate private property owners regarding their responsibility for the condition and maintenance of their building’s plumbing in terms of minimizing potential exposure to metals deriving from the plumbing and fixtures on their property. 3. Drinking Water Protection: Source water protection continues to be an important factor in the ongoing provision of safe drinking water. The work initiated in 2022 with Piteau and Associates to review and mitigate salinity effects in some community well water is an excellent step in protecting source water quality. We look forward to receiving updates on the progression of the levels of related parameters over time, particularly following implementation of the recommendations. We understand completion of an updated Water Master Plan is anticipated in 2023 which should provide guidance in the coming years. On site reviews of the 21 Mile Creek watershed should also continue on a minimum annual basis with a work plan developed from those required actions identified. Significant work has been completed related to implementing cross connection control measures throughout the RMOW as a result of adoption of the Cross Control Bylaw 2233 on Sept 03, 2019. VCH sees this as an excellent protective measure. Please review and update your Emergency Response and Contingency Plan (ERCP) as needed to ensure contact information is accurate. As previously discussed, consideration should be given to managing events such an interface wildfire - including a Boil Water Advisory should you need to augment supply with flow from back up sources. Infrastructure: The RMOW continues to follow the 2014 Asset Management Plan and replace/upgrade older infrastructure as required and with a view to ensuring good water quality within the distribution system. Actions to assess and upgrade reservoir security where needed should continue. Where separate water sources exist within private developments measures to protect the municipal water system must be incorporated into the design. As noted previously VCH has some concerns with respect to the presence of some of the water service piping which passes through private developments to supply further properties. As strata and other development are considered as a 'system within a system' and therefore exempt from the requirements of the Drinking Water Protection Regulations (DWPR) there is limited control over water quality within these properties; the piping arrangements within the private / strata property are left to the design engineer to follow good engineering practice. VCH advocates no further such servicing be considered by the RMOW. We will continue to review the service connection from the RMOW to these developments for the purpose of issuing a Construction Permit to the RMOW as well as assessing the need for backflow protection. Thank you for submitting your 2021 annual monitoring report. Please submit your annual report for the 2022 year by June 30, 2023.