HomeMy WebLinkAboutOPD-002-05
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REPORT
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
Meeting:
GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: February 21, 2005
Report #: OPD-002-05
File#:
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By-Law #:
Subject:
ONTARIO DRINKING WATER STANDARDS
Recommendations:
it is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration
Committee recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report OPD-002-05 be received for information.
Submitted by:
o a
.D.M.R, RRF.A,
r of Operations
Reviewed by0 ~.e~
Franklin Wu,
Chief Administrative Officer
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REPORT NO. OPD-002-05
PAGE 2
BACKGROUND:
The Ontario Drinking Water Standards were established to assist with meeting
the legislated requirement governing water works under the Ontario Water
Resources Act and are meant to be utilized in conjunction with the Drinking
Water Protection Regulation for larger water works - Ontario Regulation 459/00.
The Ministry of the Environment governs Ontario Regulations 459/00 and is
responsible for ensuring that the water works and that owner's take corrective
action in the event of adverse water quality,
The local Medical Officer of Health and the Ministry of the Environment share
responsibility for protecting the public. The Medical Officer is responsible for
declaring that drinking water is unsafe and advising the public of any precautions
that should be taken such as boiling water.
The primary purpose of the Ontario Drinking Water Standards is to protect public
health through the provision of safe drinking water. Water intended for human
consumption shail not contain disease causing organisms or unsafe
concentrations of toxic chemicals or radioactive substances. Water should also
be aesthetically acceptable.
MUNICIPAL PROCEDURES:
Staff testing the water is the only sure way to determine safety. Staff will take
water samples at each of our municipal buildings on a weekly basis. These
buildings include community buildings in Brownsdale, Kendal, Haydon,
Hampton, Tyrone, Solina and Kirby. There are also three workplaces that are
tested weekly as well.
The water tests will indicate total coliform (bacteria in animal waste and sewage)
and e.coli, which are bacteria found in the digestive systems of people and
animals. If e.coli readings are 1-760, then the water is unsafe for drinking. If the
total coliform indicates a reading of 6 to 780, then the water is unsafe for
drinking. If total coliform has a reading of 1 to 5, then a second and third sample
is to be taken. A third water quality sample testing is heterotrophic plate count.
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REPORT NO. OPD-002-05
PAGE 3
Heterotrophs are defined as micro organisms that require organic carbon for
growth. They include bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Elevated HPC levels occur
especially in stagnant parts of piped distribution systems and in domestic
plumbing. Any readings over 500 ml. is considered unacceptable and a boil
advisory is likely to be issued.
Municipal wells can be contaminated by an opening in the well seal, improperly
installed well casing, well casing not deep enough, well casing not sealed and a
source of contamination not related to well construction. Staff will inspect
regularly and take appropriate action to ensure that:
. Sanitary seal on well cap is securily in place and water tight
. Cap is at least 12 inches above the ground
. Joints, cracks and connection in the well casing are sealed
. Surface draining near the well is directed away from the well casing
. Surface water does not pond near the well
. Well pump and distribution systems are checked regularly
. Changes in the quantity and quality of water should be investigated
immediately.
IF A WATER SUPPLY IS CONTAMINATED:
If a water sample from any of the wells is contaminated, the provincially approved
Environmental Lab will deliver the results and contact the Regional Public Health
Department. The Lab will then send the report to the Operations Department
who will notify both the Regional Health Department and Spills Action Centre,
Ministry of the Environment. Staff in consultation with the Health Department will
undertake postings, chlorination, and or any other actions determined at the site.
The Health Department will want to have three separate samples within 72 hours
and readings must be zero prior to lifting of any restrictions.
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REPORT NO. OPD-002-05
PAGE 4
WELL UPDATE:
Since November 2004, staff has been actively managing the various well
systems at five community buildings where adverse conditions exist. Three of
these buildings have been cleared. Two buildings remain under Advisory to deal
with unacceptable HPC readings. We are currently investigating treatment
requirements needed to ensure that the requirements of the Ministry of the
Environment are met.
As part of this review, we will examine chlorination versus ultra violet disinfection
as well as the Ministry of the Environment criteria for ground water / surface
water.
All affected community buildings are updated weekly by staff, and are to be
thanked for their co-operation during this period.
CONCLUSION:
The Municipality will continue to have the well water system sampled and tested
by an accredited lab on a weekly basis and if adverse conditions exist, report
immediately to the Medical Officer of Health and the Ministry of Environment.
Staff will take the necessary corrective actions in consulting with both the Ministry
of Health and the Ministry of Environment within 24 hours and keeping our
community partners informed.
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOW MANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905) 263-2292 F (905) 263-4433
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