District Of Squamish Waterworks - 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

Actions Taken:
Issue Permit
We recognize the District of Squamish has completed a Water Master Plan (September 2015). Accordingly we have removed the following condition from your Permit to Operate: Provide an update on your long-term water supply strategy. A revised permit will be printed with the following conditions which remain and as described in the comment section of this report:
, Issue Permit
Minimum bacteriological sampling frequency is 20 / month (distribution).
, Issue Permit
Test for physical and chemical parameters in accordance with your monitoring plan.
, Issue Permit
Operate in accordance with your Cross-Connection Control Program.
, Issue Permit
Implement your Well Protection Plan.
, Issue Permit
Maintain your Unidirectional Flushing Program annually
, Issue Permit
Maintain continuous on-line monitoring of the water disinfection process.
, Issue Permit
Maintain continuous on-line turbidity sampling for each surface water source.
, Issue Permit
Review and update the Emergency Response and Contingency Plan annually.

Comments:
The bacteriological sample range report for 2015 indicates satisfactory water quality was maintained throughout the year. Of the 253 samples on record, one was positive for total coliform (0.40%); and none were positive for E coli (0%), as you will note in the attached report. From our earlier discussion the one positive result is thought to be due to sampling error. Thank you for your new centralized email contacts for the DOS. We will incorporate those email distribution lists to our automated delivery system as agreed. As discussed, you may wish to give consideration to an enhanced sampling pattern by dividing the sampling sites into two discreet sampling patterns such as week A; week B. This is entirely at your discretion and we are happy to assist with setting up additional sampling sites should you wish to pursue this option. With regard to water chemistry profile, we note your water quality complies with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality for the parameters tested. We note the water is undersaturated with respect to hardness, however it is uncertain if supplementation would be cost effective. The Well Protection Plan has been completed and currently being implemented. This complies with the conditions of your Permit to Operate and represents best industry practice. Significant progress has been made with the implementation of your Cross Connection Control plan, including field survey work. This complies with the conditions of your Permit to Operate and represents best industry practice. Thank you for your DOS - Water Master Plan. This approach exceeded our expectations as it not only addresses your long term supply strategy, but also incorporates asset management and infrastructure renewal. This complies with the previously listed condition of your Permit to Operate and represents best industry practice. A revised Permit to Operate has been attached. As we discussed the Stawamus River and Mashiter Creek supplies do not have the appropriate infrastructure for treatment and disinfection, thus do not comply with current treatment objectives. Any use of these supplies must be recorded in your annual monitoring report. We have some questions with regard to your preliminary calculation of CT values to achieve 4 log reduction for viral disinfection of the Stawamus supply, and will arrange to meet with your staff further to review this matter. As we further discussed, these sources must be segregated from the potable water supply in a more formal manner. In this regard we are prepared to accept a 'double block and bleed' approach, which should address leakage across a single valve. Please advise as to when this modification can be achieved, or if you have a better approach. The DOS annual report on monitoring continues to improve and we look forward to your 2015 report (not due until June 30th 2016). Please update your ERCP document in view of recent staff changes. VCH updated contacts will be provided independently of this report. The condition on your Permit to Operate relative to your UDF program remains, however it is understood that the entire system does not need to be flushed annually. In view of the water quality, current expectations are that approximately 25% of the system will be flushed on an annual basis with an emphasis on flushing dead ends. This complies with your Permit to Operate and represents best industry practice. Little is known about the integrity of the Thunderbird and Plateau bedrock storage reservoirs. Kindly advise when there is an opportunity to inspect the Thunderbird reservoir.