Water Samples
All water suppliers in British Columbia are required to monitor water that reaches consumers for total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E.coli) regularly. The monitoring is one part of a comprehensive approach to safe drinking water.
- The presence of E. coli in a water sample indicates that bacteria capable of causing illness may be present in the water system.
- The presence of total coliform bacteria may indicate a breakdown in the treatment process, or growth in the distribution system.
Acceptable Sample Results
The following results are considered acceptable for drinking water:
E. Coli
- No E. Coli detectable per 100 ml of each water sample.
Coliform
- If only one sample is taken in a 30-day period:
- No detectable Coliform per 100 ml of water
- If more than one sample is taken in a 30-day period:
- At least 90% of samples will have no detectable Coliform per 100 ml of water, and
- No sample has more than 10 total Coliform per 100ml of water
Interpreting Sample Reports
In VIHA, the results of drinking water sampling are reported using the following coding system:
- L1 Less than 1 (no detectable bacteria) – Meaning: No bacteria present
- OG Overgrown – Meaning: Too many background bacteria to give an accurate count
- EST Estimated Count
and
- A Sample not tested; Too long in transit
- C Sample leaked/broken in transit
- D Sample not tested; No collection date given.
If you have questions or want more information regarding your water system, call your local Environmental Health Office.
The Capital Regional District provides water to the communities of Central Saanich, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Saanich, Sidney, Victoria/Esquimalt, West Shore and Sooke. Their water results are available on the CRD website, under Monthly Bacteriological Reports at the following location
http://www.crd.bc.ca/water/waterquality/reports.htm