Porteau Cove Prov Park - Inspection Report

Inspection Information:

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

Violations:
A summary of the violations found during the inspection are listed below.

Code	Description / Observation / Corrective Action
503	Failure or inadequate treatment for chemical/physical parameters. Observation: Chemical/physical analysis from 2019 shows manganese and possibly lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration, and iron is above the aesthetic objective. Corrective Action: Provide water that meets the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

Actions Taken:
Information Exchanged

Comments:
This report is an administrative review for the 2022 calendar year. Bacteriological Sampling: A total of 142 samples were submitted for bacteriological analysis. Samples were collected from eight locations designated as follows: Well Pumphouse hose bib, Walk-in Standpipe, Diver's Area Washroom, Site 44 Standpipe, Campground Sampler Point, Day Use Sample Point, Potable water at Sani Station and Residence. The number of samples submitted exceeded the minimum number required by the Permit to Operate, thank you. One sample was positive for total coliform, none were positive for E.coli. These results did not meet the Schedule A potability standards of the Drinking Water Protection Regulation. Specifically for total coliform bacteria, when more than one sample is collected in a 30 day period, none shall contain more than 10 total coliform bacteria per 100ml. The positive sample was collected from the Sani Station on September 7, 2022 and the result was 69 TC/100 ml. Five additional samples were collected on the same day and were all negative. Follow-up with the operator revealed no known abnormalities with the system. The corrective action was to re-sample, and the results were negative for total coliform. Chemical/Physical Analysis: Our records indicate the most recent chemical/physical analysis of source water was due in 2021 to meet the Permit requirement for annual monitoring. The last analysis was conducted in 2019 and showed manganese above the Maximum Acceptable Concentration per the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Lead was also slightly above the MAC although this could be due to leaching from distribution system fixtures (re-sampling would be needed to confirm). Iron also measured above the aesthetic objective. A number of discussions have taken place about installing treatment, however the source and reservoir are on adjacent property which presents a number of challenges. A new well within the Porteau Cove Park boundary was drilled in 2020 and preliminary information (well log and sample results) were provided to VCH. Review of the information yielded several concerns which were outlined in our report dated March 23, 2023, and included: 1) Well siting is directly adjacent to a parking lot, and depending on the proximity to existing sewerage system and lines, may not meet set-back requirements of the Health Hazards Regulation. 2) The well log information suggests the well is unconfined and is therefore likely to be GARP (groundwater at risk of pathogens). This has implications in terms of source water protection and water treatment. 3) Initial sample results show elevated sodium and chloride levels, suggesting possible salt water intrusion. High sodium may also require treatment. 4) Pump testing data was provided but needs to be interpreted by a professional and a summary report is needed. In order to make an informed decision on how best to proceed, a hydrogeological assessment by a qualified person is needed. The assessment should identify the capture zone for the new well, and identify risks and mitigation measures for potential sources of contamination (e.g. hydrocarbons from the adjacent parking lot, neighbouring land-use activities, nearby sewerage lines/systems etc.). The report should also comment on the available pump testing data and likelihood of salt-water intrusion based on anticipated extraction rates and water quality analysis. In order to determine what form of treatment is appropriate for biological risks, the report should include a statement on the GARP status of the well. It would be ideal to know whether continued extraction of water from the existing well could adversely impact the new well (i.e. do the cones of influence overlap). Permit Conditions: The Permit to Operate was last updated in April 2016. The conditions currently read as follows: 1) Maintain an annual chemical/physical sampling program for source water. 2) Review and update the Emergency Response Plan annually (submit by March 31 each year). 3) Minimum bacteriological sampling frequency is 6/month (Mar-Oct) and 2/month (Nov-Feb). Emergency Response and Contingency Planning: The most recent ERCP is dated 2017 and must now be updated. Please submit an updated ERCP to your Drinking Water Officer as soon as possible. An updated VCH staff contact list has been provided with this report and should be included in the ERCP. Annual Reports: Our records indicate an annual report for the 2021 calendar year was not received, however we also recognize 2021 was an unusual year for many organizations. For the purposes of section 15(b) of the Drinking Water Protection Act, water suppliers are required to prepare and make public, within 6 months of the end of the calendar year, an annual report. A template is enclosed with this report. Please submit (and make public) an annual report for the 2022 calendar year, by June 30, 2023. Inspections: The most recent routine inspection of the water system took place in March 2022. Reports are published on-line; copies can also be requested from your Drinking Water Officer. The hazard rating for this system will remain set to moderate until the water at user end-points meets the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.