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:
The bacteriological sample range report for 2017 is attached. Of the 435 samples submitted for analysis, none (0%) were positive for total coliform or E Coli bacteria. This indicates satisfactory water quality was maintained throughout the year. As per VCH 2017 report, the water chemistry characteristics within the RMOW Community system are complex in view of the number of sources, both surface water and groundwater. The new Operational Guideline for pH has been recently revised under the GCDWQ, now specifying a higher pH range from 7.0 to 10.5. Please provide a report outlining which of the RMOW Community sources do not meet this guideline and outline any remediation strategies under consideration. As we discussed, the MOH Health Protection Branch has developed Interim Guidelines (July 2017) on evaluating and mitigating lead in drinking water supplies, schools, daycares and other buildings. VCH has been reviewing the development of this interim guidance and are unsure if centralized water conditioning will relieve the need for a multifaceted approach by property owners (including plumbing upgrades; flushing and/or filters). As these Interim Guidelines have not as yet had industry/stakeholder review, we welcome any comments you wish to offer. With respect to the subject of what constitutes a domestic water system pursuant to the DWPR, 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). VCH will review the service connection to these developments for the purpose of issuing a Construction Permit to the RMOW as well as assessing the need for backflow protection. However the piping arrangements within the private / strata property are left to the design engineer to follow good engineering practice. Please provide an update on your progress with implementing a cross connection control program. VCH continues to advocate that by-law authority is essential to ensure all backflow protection assemblies are tested annually, and we can see no method by which it can be assured otherwise. At this time the GCDWQ limits for manganese continue to list that parameter as an aesthetic objective, although we are anticipating some change in view of the draft revisions previously circulated for public comment. Thank you for the extensive work on developing a Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP) for the 21 Mile Creek supply source. From a VCH perspective it appears that the current level of public education and access into the watershed seems reasonable, however it must be understood that the 21 Mile Creek supply is an unfiltered surface water source. The advanced disinfection processes (comprising UV followed by chlorination) complies with the pathogen reduction requirements of the BC Surface Water Treatment Objectives - but may not protect against spills or other contamination events. Accordingly, we recommend the SWPP be reviewed at a high level within the RMOW to develop a common understanding. We are pleased to note the close interdepartmental relationship that exists within the RMOW which will continue to be important for issues such as trail maintenance activities and waste removal (which should be scheduled when the intake is in by-pass mode). A review of the SWPP for the RMOW Community groundwater sources should also be scheduled for review, including land use activities in the well capture zones. The RMOW Emergency Response and Contingency Plan (ERCP) will need some revision - as a minimum to reflect new staff and contact numbers, including those for VCH staff. VCH anticipates being able to send our staff updates next month once new staff arrive.