REDUCING RISK and PublicSafeguarding Health
Announcing new leadership roles at Associated Engineering
Elia Edwards, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. has been appointed as Vice President, Integrated Water Solutions. Elia has 27 years of experience specializing in planning, design, construction, optimization, and rehabilitation of water facilities. Elia will support staff and clients on water planning and implementation projects, considering low-carbon alternatives and digital transformation.
Jeff Fetter, P.Eng. has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Civil Infrastructure. Jeff has 29 years of experience in planning, design, construction, and project management of municipal infrastructure, and a proven track record delivering complex infrastructure projects. Jeff will provide support to staff and clients on sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
Grant Dixon has been appointed National Leader of our affiliated company, ATAP Infrastructure Management. ATAP provides training and technical support for water facilities and municipal infrastructure. Grant has more than 35 years of experience in water systems operations and management, and project management.
Garry Drachenberg, P.Eng. has transitioned from his role as Vice President, Water Solutions to a Strategic Advisor role. Garry brings his extensive expertise and experience to support staff and clients with planning, designing, and implementing small water systems and Indigenous Community water infrastructure.
THE CANADA VALVE HYDRANT IS JOINING THE GRIP WORLD
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Watermark inquiries should be sent to: spratt@bcwwa.org Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the BCWWA.
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NEGIN TOUSI
BCWWA
President
SAFEGUARDING OUR MOST VITAL RESOURCE – WATER
As we reflect on the past decade and look to the future, it’s crucial to acknowledge the dedication and innovation within our water community. Ensuring the safety, health and reliability of our water systems and environment involves addressing a range of challenges, from climate change to cybersecurity risks. Investment in both technology and human resources is essential to effectively manage these risks and put necessary safeguards in place.
ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE:
THE NEW NORMAL Climate change is reshaping our approach to water management with more severe weather events, extreme temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns.
Indigenous communities have served as the traditional knowledge keepers and stewards of the land and water for thousands of years. In 2019, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) passed a resolution declaring a First Nations Climate Emergency. This resulted in the AFN holding its first National Climate Gathering on the traditional territory of the Ta’an Kwächän and the Kwanlin Dün in Whitehorse, Yukon, to bring together First Nations’ perspectives on climate impacts risks, and opportunities.
Throughout the years, several initiatives have been commissioned to better understand and address the risks presented by climate change. Communities such as səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) are tackling these risks through the development of a community-based Climate Change Resilience Plan (CCRP). Others, such as Shadhäla yè Äshèyi Kwädǟn (Champagne and Aishihik First Nations), are working on collaborative projects with partner organizations to assess the vulnerability of their Traditional Territory to climate change. Planning for and investment in resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation strategies is crucial for ensuring that our water systems can withstand the impacts of a changing climate.
CYBERSECURITY
RISKS: A GROWING CONCERN
With the increasing digitalization of water systems, cybersecurity risks have become a significant concern. In the United States, organizations such
ENSURING THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND RELIABILITY OF OUR WATER SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT
INVOLVES ADDRESSING A RANGE OF CHALLENGES, FROM CLIMATE CHANGE TO CYBERSECURITY RISKS.
as the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed libraries of resources including risk management toolkits, to help protect against and reduce impacts from, threats posed by malicious cyber actors looking to attack water and wastewater systems.
Investing in robust cybersecurity measures is crucial, but it must be accompanied by proper training for operators to recognize and respond to potential threats. A notable example of effective risk management in cybersecurity occurred in Oldsmar, Florida, where attackers tried to increase chemical levels in the water supply. The alert operator noticed the suspicious change and swiftly intervened, preventing any impact on the water system. This incident underscores the critical role of human oversight in complementing smart technology and digital solutions to safeguard against cyber threats.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION: A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Public education and engagement are key to the success of our water systems. Initiatives like the City of Vancouver’s ‘Adopt a Catch Basin,’ ‘Green Streets Program’ or ‘Seeding Stewardship Program’ not only promote sustainable stormwater management but also involve the public in understanding and helping reduce flood risks in their communities.
Education on topics such as cross connection control (CCC) and cybersecurity is also vital. By informing property owners and businesses about the importance of CCC compliance and
cybersecurity measures, we can collectively enhance the safety and resilience of our water systems.
LOOKING AHEAD:
OUR COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT
As we look ahead, our focus must remain on collaborative and proactive risk management. By investing in technology, infrastructure and human resources, we can ensure that our water systems continue to protect public health, adapt to changing conditions and serve future generations. Our shared dedication to stewardship will guide us as we navigate this complex and evolving landscape.
250-826-2967
ab-projects@hotmail.com www.aqua-bility.ca
Providing communities with clean, safe, and reliable drinking water through sustainable water treatment solutions
ACEC-BC award-winning project provides safe water to over 50,000 people in BC’s Comox Valley
ACEC-BC Award, Municipal & Civil Infrastructure
Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards, Award of Excellence, Water Resources
LEE COONFER BCWWA CEO
TRANSITIONING FROM ONE STRATEGIC PLAN TO ANOTHER: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR BCWWA?
For me, joining the BCWWA at the tail end of a strategic plan cycle gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the initiatives, services and support that this Association offers to its members. At the same time, it afforded me time to assess the depth of BCWWA’s value proposition and to determine whether the areas of focus aligned with the needs of the members.
I brought this cumulative knowledge and ideas for enhancing BCWWA’s value proposition to the strategic planning meetings with the Board. I was tremendously grateful for the open, constructive and respectful discussions that occurred over this very intense process and I appreciated the openness of the Board members in considering service delivery changes and areas of focus that were outside of BCWWA’s foundational priorities.
After some very lengthy and valuable discussions during the strategic planning process, a road map for 2025 to 2027 was designed that stayed true to BCWWA’s priorities of Education, Networking (opportunities for networking,
sharing of ideas and engaging with suppliers and stakeholders) and Organizational Sustainability (valuable and relevant programs and a competent staff focus on servant leadership).
A new priority that was identified is the area of Advocacy. This is something that I am very experienced in and passionate about. To me, Advocacy includes being a voice that represents the needs and positions of an organization, association or community group. It can also include outreach and engagement activities, where a community of strategic partners and stakeholders create ambassadors for your sector that will enhance your voice in public dialogue and increase the effectiveness of engagement initiatives with regulators. I believe that the Advocacy priority of the 2025 to 2027 Strategic Plan will fill a void that I have observed in the water sector.
The finer details of the BCWWA’s Strategic Plan can be found later in this issue. But as we embark on this journey together, I would like our 2025 to 2027 Priorities for the BCWWA. They are:
1.Education: The BCWWA is the credible resource for workforce education and training solutions in the One Water sector.
2.Networking: The BCWWA is a primary convenor and point of connection in the One Water sector.
3.Advocacy: The BCWWA is a voice of record and champion of the One Water sector in BC and the Yukon.
4. Organizational Sustainability: The BCWWA has the leadership, talent, resources, insights and change strategies essential to successfully meet the challenges it now faces. As we have communicated earlier, the BCWWA has restructured its staffing resources to carry out the initiatives that will support these initiatives going forward. Needless to say, I am excited about BCWWA’s journey going forward and continuing to work on behalf of you, our members.
And, for those of you attending the Yukon Water & Wastewater Workshop & Trade Show in Whitehorse, I’ll see you there.
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TED MOLYNEUX CWWA Director
PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT RISK REDUCTION TOOL? PARTNERSHIP.
In my last column, I promoted the International Water Association (IWA)’s World Water Congress held August 11-15, 2024, and the CWWA’s National Water and Wastewater Conference, held November 3-6, 2024, in Winnipeg. These conferences are prime opportunities to learn about the latest innovations and trends in risk reduction and improved public health safeguards. As water professionals, you should ensure you have access to AWWA and WEF magazines, and I encourage membership, so you can always catch up on technical and operation articles. Still, they are no substitute for rubbing elbows with your colleagues.
The IWA’s World Water Congress & Exhibition 2024 is in the history books, and by many accounts, it was successful. CWWA, and our partners at the Canadian Association on Water Quality (CAWQ), proudly hosted this premier global event.
By the numbers:
• 2,700 congress delegates
• 3,400 additional visitors to the exhibition
• 900 exhibitor reps for hundreds of booths
• 7,000 participants from 108 countries
Just Canada:
• 600+ delegates
• 60+ companies exhibiting
There were hundreds of technical sessions and an incredible number of speakers, panelists and poster presenters. It was notable as both a technical gathering and an industry networking event. As I noted in the last Watermark article, a great interest to CWWA was the Utility Leaders Forum, bringing together some 200 water utility leaders from around the world to share experiences and insights.
While a smaller and more intimate event to our BCWWA Annual Conference, the CWWA’s National Water and Wastewater (NWWC) Conference still offers a wide-ranging technical
program covering almost all aspects of the municipal water sector while offering the best networking environment for Canada’s water leaders. The nice thing about the NWWC is that it provides a national rather than regional focus, so you get networking from across the country.
One important initiative advanced by the CWWA Board at their June meeting was Natural Infrastructure and the important role it plays in Canada to create effective and sustainable water systems under the ‘One Water’ philosophy.
In terms of reducing risk, CWWA was there to support utilities experiencing chlorine supply chain issues created by the recent rail strike in August. A prime example of the quick reactions provided by the organization to its membership.
My next column will come after attending the next, and only face-to-face, Board meeting before the NWWC. I’ll be happy to update everyone on CWWA’s various infrastructurespecific initiatives, such as cybersecurity, the Canadian Infrastructure Bank and more.
MIKE GOSSELIN WEF Delegate
HOW UTILITIES CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCING RISK AND SAFEGUARDING PUBLIC HEALTH
Utilities are fundamental to the health and well-being of the population. By providing essential services such as wastewater collection, treatment and disposal, utilities play a pivotal role in reducing risk and safeguarding public health. How can utilities contribute to these vital objectives:
Effective wastewater management is crucial for preventing the contamination of water sources and reducing the spread of diseases. By collecting, treating and disposing of wastewater properly, utilities ensure that harmful pathogens (disease-causing) and chemicals do not enter the water supply. Utilities play a key role in ensuring that wastewater is handled in accordance with government regulations, thereby protecting both the environment and public health. This, in turn, protects the population from waterborne diseases.
Investing in resilient wastewater infrastructure is essential for maintaining regular service and resiliency during natural disasters. Resilient systems can withstand extreme weather events ensuring that safe and effective collection, treatment and disposal remain accessible to the public even during times of crisis. This reduces the risk of public health emergencies and ensures the continuity of essential services.
Close coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Health is essential for a coordinated response to health emergencies such as pandemics or natural
disasters. Utilities should establish communication channels and collaborate with government agencies to ensure a unified response. This can include sharing information, resources and expertise to protect public health during emergencies.
Utilities can engage in public education campaigns to inform communities about waste disposal best practices and emergency preparedness, including proper waste disposal practices during emergencies. By raising awareness and providing practical guidance, utilities can empower the community to take proactive measures to help protect their health and well-being.
Utilities are indispensable in reducing risk and safeguarding public health. Through effective wastewater management, resilient infrastructure and emergency preparedness, utilities can help ensure the health and safety of the population. By working closely with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Health and engaging in community education, utilities can further enhance their contribution to public health. In summary, the role of utilities in safeguarding public health is crucial, encompassing a wide range of services and initiatives that collectively help ensure the well-being of the community.
DEIRDRE MORAN AWWA Director
REALIZING A SAFE WATER FUTURE
Another summer comes to an end, and memories of time spent near and in the water are top of mind; particularly how fortunate many of us are to have access to safe water resources in such a beautiful province.
Water source protection is one of the best ways to reduce risk and assure we have high quality drinking water at the tap. From September 29 to October 5, 2024, the AWWA hosted its Source Water Protection Week. This serves as a great reminder to celebrate and recognize the importance of protecting our water sources.
I mentioned the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in the last issue of Watermark, but the importance of this milestone coupled with the theme of this issue warrants another reminder. Not only is AWWA marking this anniversary by celebrating achievements of water professionals, but also by continually advocating for regulations developed through sound scientific process. Two such regulations are the US EPA LCRI (Lead and Copper Rule Improvements) and PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. Although not Canadian regulations, the information and resources on both these topics are relevant locally.
• The EPA anticipates finalizing the LCRI before October 16, 2024. AWWA is committed to protecting communities from lead in pipes and plumbing while working for a future when lead is no longer in contact with drinking water. More information on this rule and risk management measures for lead in drinking water can be found at awwa.org/ resources-tools/resource-topics/contaminantsof-concern/lead.
• In April 2024, the US EPA published the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS. On June 7, 2024, AWWA and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) filed a petition with the US Court of Appeals to review this rule. AWWA and AMWA share EPA’s goal but are concerned that the agency did not follow the required Safe Drinking Water Act process and use the best science and data in finalizing the rule. More information
WATER SOURCE PROTECTION IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO REDUCE RISK AND ASSURE WE HAVE HIGH QUALITY DRINKING WATER AT THE TAP.
on this regulation, the petition and general information on PFAS can be found at awwa. org/Resources-Tools/Resource-Topics/PFAS. Aside from contaminants of concern, AWWA is working to strengthen water sector resilience to challenges such as climate risks and cybersecurity threats. As technology advances, cybersecurity becomes an ever-growing concern; the 2024 State of the Water Industry report showed that 49% of utilities are now investing in cybersecurity measures. AWWA is actively responding to this threat by offering assessment tools, guidance and resources to assist utilities in managing cyber risks.
While BCWWA releases its new 2025–2027 Strategic Plan in the coming months, AWWA also recently adopted its 2030 strategic plan which can be viewed at awwa.org/About-Us/AWWA-StrategicPlan. This plan is forward looking and considers the vision set forth through Water 2050.
On a final note, I would like to acknowledge that history was made at ACE conference this summer when Cheryl Porter became the first African American and first woman of colour, to serve as president of the AWWA. I’m looking forward to seeing her lead the association through the coming year.
BCWWA NEWS
METRO VANCOUVER CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF WATER SERVICE
On July 20, 2024, Metro Vancouver held a free outdoor event in North Vancouver’s Lynn Valley to celebrate 100 years of water service to the region. The event included presentations on the full water treatment process, from water conservation and dam construction to water treatment and water infrastructure that delivers clean and safe water to thousands of residences and buildings across metro Vancouver.
BCWWA HEADS TO EOCP CONFERENCE
From September 9–10, 2024, the BCWWA attended #EOtec24, the Environmental Operators Certification Program’s 2024 annual conference in Vancouver. It is always a pleasure to participate in a conference that brings water operators from across BC together for three days of learning, networking and advancing the sector. This year, BCWWA CEO Lee Coonfer was invited to meet with and present to the new EOCP Board of Directors. There was also an opportunity to meet with keynote speaker Corey Hirsch. The former Vancouver Canucks goaltender, Olympic silver medalist and mental health and wellness advocate shared his journey towards improving mental health and why seeking support – regardless of the sector you work in – helps everyone overcome obstacles and end the stigma around seeking help.
HEALTH CANADA RELEASES OBJECTIVE DOCUMENT ON PFAS
Health Canada has released guidelines on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments. This objective addresses the exposure of PFAS in drinking water while a guideline is revised or developed. The technical document reviews the goal for a maximum level of PFAS contaminant in drinking water. It is based on a lengthy review of peer-reviewed scientific research and considers international regulatory information.
Read the document: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/ publications/healthy-living/objective-drinking-water-quality-perpolyfluoroalkyl-substances.html
BCWWA EVENTS CALENDAR
Please note that this calendar is for informational purposes only and may be subject to change. Please contact the event host directly for further information.
2024 DATES
DATE
October 16–17, 2024
October 23, 2024
October 31 – November 10, 2024
November 3–6, 2024
November 6–7, 2024
BCWWA Yukon Water & Wastewater Workshop & Trade Show Whitehorse, YT
AWWA From 2024 to 2050: Community Engagement and Empowerment (Water 2050) Webinar
CSHS 2024 Kananaskis Short Course on Principles of Hydrology Kananaskis, AB
CWWA National Water and Wastewater Conference 2024 Winnipeg, MB
Messe Frankfurt: Waste and Recycling Expo Canada Mississauga, ON November 17–21, 2024
2025 DATES
DATE
February 9–11, 2025
AWWA Water Quality Technology Conference Schaumburg, IL
AWWA Young Professionals Summit Dallas, TX April 27–29, 2025
New Westminster, BC
THE WATERLINE
The latest water industry news, brought to you by the BCWWA
SOOKE’S WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT REACHES SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION
The District of Sooke is pleased to announce the substantial completion of the Sooke Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Expansion Project, marking a significant milestone in the enhancement of our sewage treatment infrastructure. With a total investment of $6.58 million, including a contribution of $4.6 million from the Province, this project underscores our commitment to meeting the growing needs of our community while upholding sustainable wastewater management practices.
Article and photo source: Water Canada,
pace with population growth, aging infrastructure, the effects of climate change, and accomplish the Clean Water Act goals. That figure – which includes solely capital expenditures and does not cover costs associated with operations and maintenance –results from the most recent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Watersheds Needs Survey (CWNS). This edition of the CWNS polled more than 17,500 publicly owned treatment providers across all US states and territories about their financial needs to address existing and anticipated water quality problems.
Article and photo credit: WEF Stormwater Report, June 5, 2024
NEW WTP AND OPERATOR TRAINING ENDS 17-YEAR
BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR SASKATCHEWAN FIRST NATION
distribution system. The funding also supports training for the local water treatment operator over the next three years.
Article credit: Environmental Science & Engineering, July 16, 2024
TOFINO UNVEILS
FIRST EVER WWTP FOR BC TOURIST HOTSPOT
The British Columbia District of Tofino is
BCWWA’S 2025-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN: REPRESENTING A ONE WATER SECTOR
You may have heard the term ‘One Water’ floating around our water community lately. We’ll be the first to admit that we love a fresh, snappy word to encapsulate what we do as an Association and the people we represent. But, more meaningfully, it represents a shift in our sector to understand better how we all connect with water and what principles should guide its protection and conservation in times of growing demand for water resources. In essence, how to capture a holistic view of water in our lives?
In following the conversations initiated by WEF’s Circular Water Economy framework and AWWA’s Water 2050 discourse, taking a One Water approach is certainly top of mind for our North American counterparts as the discussion around the future of our water from a global sustainability perspective continues. A One Water approach references any water system, from communities that experience water scarcity to those who live by abundant resources. It is a concept that we keep coming back to and finds its place at the forefront of BCWWA’s upcoming 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.
WHAT IS ONE WATER?
The first thing to know is that a One Water approach is not new. For many years now, the term has been used to emphasize and describe how water management is inherently integrated and interconnected with the communities, environment and systems it serves. It is a transformative way of viewing, valuing and managing water and presents the opportunity to change and address how we use water and create resilient water systems. For us, One Water expands our understanding of the water cycle from source to tap and back to include commercial, agricultural, industrial and consumer uses and impacts. In Figure 1, a One Water Wheel helps us visualize these connections. It includes traditional infrastructure like pipes, treatment plants and water sources, while taking into account housing, infrastructure, industry and agricultural uses and what integrated methods like stormwater drainage, green infrastructure and reuse water can do to support sustainability.
WHY NOW?
A One Water approach ultimately encapsulates – you. It is the water professionals, such as operators, engineers, utility managers, backflow assembly testers and local government staff, who work every day to ensure safe, sustainable and secure water, sewer and stormwater systems. And a One Water approach is an opportunity
to broaden and expand these important conversations and platforms.
It is also a unifying term that lays the foundation for BCWWA’s incoming 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.
As an Association that represents over 4,000 water professionals from across BC and the Yukon, every three years a Strategic Plan is developed to help shape the future of the Association and guide what we do as an organization. This strategic plan is the result of a lengthy consultation and ideation process that started at the beginning of the year, with input from our Board of Directors, Leadership Council, volunteers, subject matter experts and water sector stakeholders. Its purpose is to outline the future direction of our Association over a threeyear timeframe.
THINKING AHEAD:
OUR 2025-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN
As noted, the mission and vision guiding the BCWWA over the next three years have not changed. We are still the Association committed to supporting, empowering and advocating for the people who work with this critical resource. However, we have expanded our value set to enshrine the purpose of our organization
as service-driven, inclusive and dedicated to innovation and growth within the industry.
To do this, the Strategic Plan identifies four priorities to guide the Association over the next three years:
1. Education: The BCWWA is the credible resource for workforce education and training solutions in the One Water sector.
2. Networking: The BCWWA is a primary convenor and point of connection in the One Water sector.
3. Advocacy: The BCWWA is a voice of record and champion of the One Water sector in BC and the Yukon.
4. Organizational Sustainability:
The BCWWA has the leadership, talent, resources, insights and change strategies essential to successfully meet the challenges it now faces.
As we close out our current Strategic Plan in December 2024, we are reflecting on all the fulfilling experiences and opportunities created by our members, volunteers, partners and staff team. As we move into our new Strategic Plan window commencing in January 2025, we look forward to what opportunities will come next.
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Assessing Risk in Groundwater Wells:
When Should You Do MPA Testing?
By Dave Tamblyn, Public Health Engineer, First Nations Health Authority
MPA (microscopic particulate analysis) is a useful test for assessing surface water impact on groundwater wells. It served as the foundation for the seminal ‘Consensus method for determining groundwaters under the direct influence of surface water’ (Vasconcelos & Harris, 1992). However, conducting an MPA analysis shortly after pumping begins (e.g., after a pumping test) will often misrepresent the risk of surface water influence and, in particular, will underestimate that risk.
In the pre-development scenario (see Figure 1 on following page), groundwater typically
discharges to a nearby surface water body. Aerobic spores, Crypto and Giardia cysts, enteric bacteria and viruses (hazardous particles) may be present in the surface water. The hydraulic gradient (i) determines the direction of groundwater flow.
A sample of well water will generally contain no hazardous particulate matter. An MPA test should show no surface water influence.
A pumping test removes a volume of water defined by the pumping rate (Q) and the test duration (t). This pumped volume defines the size of the capture zone for the well. The direction of groundwater flow reverses on the downgradient
side of the well towards the surface water, creating a groundwater divide on the downgradient side. The pumping test produces an estimate of the aquifer’s transmissivity (T).
What would an MPA sample following the pumping test show? (see Figure 2 on the folllowing page) The last water that enters the well comes from the furthest points on the capture zone (marked ‘×’ and ‘+’ on Figure 2) –still groundwater, so an MPA test should again show no surface water influence.
What happens if we leave the pump running longer?
GARP ASSESSMENT
The well collects more water from the upgradient side than the downgradient side. This asymmetry becomes more pronounced as the pumping duration extends until eventually a steady-state equilibrium forms. At equilibrium, recharge to the aquifer – whether from areal recharge, leakage from confining layers or influx of surface water – just balances the discharge (Q) from the well.
Regarding the GUDI status of the well, there are two distinct possibilities outlined below. In the first case (Figure 3), the groundwater divide (×) never reaches the surface water body, and the well only collects true groundwater. We call this situation “non-GUDI” and “low risk” (assuming other risk factors such as upgradient septic fields are not present). An MPA test on the ‘low risk’ well at any time should find no surface water influence.
The second case occurs when the stagnation point extends beyond the distance to the surface water body (Figure 4). This means that the well draws in surface water in addition to groundwater – that is, GUDI – which also means that groundwater is at risk of containing pathogens (GARP) because surface water is always at risk. GARP does not mean that the well water always contains pathogens or always contains indicator bacteria (coliforms). Microbiological treatment objectives (e.g., 43210) depend on which pathogens may be present, but that assessment falls outside the
scope of this article. (See BCMoH, 2015). An MPA test on the GUDI well should find evidence of surface water influence if the pump has been operating long enough to draw in surface water.
Note that under either scenario, the predevelopment groundwater discharge to the surface water body decreases approximately by the average well discharge (Q). This impact on surface water quantity is termed hydraulic connection and should be evaluated in the context of water licensing under the BC Water Sustainability Act – beyond the scope of this article. The discussion below adds detailed information specific to the timing of MPA testing.
How can you know if your well falls under scenario A (non-GUDI) or B (GUDI and therefore GARP)? First, the stagnation distance (×) should be estimated using the formula from Grubb (1993):
Stagnation distance x = Q 2π∙T∙i [1]
where:
Q = Average production for the well (m³/d) 1
T = Aquifer transmissivity from the pumping test (m²/d)
i = Ambient hydraulic gradient or slope of water table (m/m)
1 Q is not the instantaneous well discharge, but rather the time-averaged discharge (Q̅). If a well pump produces 20 L/s but only operates 6 hours per day (25% of time), then Q̅ = 20 (6/24) = 5 L/s.
Equation [1] teaches us important lessons. First, pumping the well harder (Q) increases the stagnation distance and hence the risk of drawing in surface water. Second, a more productive aquifer ( T) decreases the stagnation distance and associated risk. Third, a steeper water table slope (i) is also protective.
A reliable estimate of the ambient hydraulic gradient generally requires three points with the geodetic elevation of the static water level. This requirement points to the need for observation wells that are often absent from small water systems. Further, water level monitoring in these observation wells should be repeated to assess seasonal variations in gradient, especially during spring freshet. Water elevations in the production well and surface water elevations can provide an initial rough estimate of the ambient hydraulic gradient, especially if the direction of groundwater flow is evident from the surrounding topography.
Compare the stagnation distance (×) estimated using equation [1] to the distance between the well and the high-water mark of the water body (denoted H). We suggest the following three rules of thumb:
H » x non-GUDI
H « x GUDI
H ≈ x (say, < 50% difference) indeterminate professional judgement
FIGURE 1. Pre-development scenario.
FIGURE 2. Post-pumping test scenario.
BAA health officer typically assesses all the information and makes a recommendation on risk status in consultation with other members of the project team.
Second, monitoring for surface water particulates using the MPA test following longterm pumping offers the best evidence of surface water influence to confirm the preliminary rule-of-thumb conclusion above. The presence of algae, parasitic cysts or oocysts, insects or other surface water debris in well water strongly suggests that the well is GUDI. Third, monitoring drawdown over the long term can help identify recharge sources. Such an interpretation would normally require frequent measurement of drawdown together with the services of a professional hydrogeologist. Fourth, monitoring raw, untreated well water for pathogen indicators (coliform bacteria) supports assessments. Indeed, even if all the other factors indicate low risk, the presence of coliforms in the raw well water likely triggers a GARP conclusion.
TRAVEL TIME
So, an MPA test is useful, but only if the sample is collected after the well has been in operation for enough time. How long is ‘enough’? We really need an estimate of travel time from the surface water body to the well. Unfortunately, no analytical expressions exist for travel time in a sloping aquifer – we need numerical integration. However, Zhou & Haitjema (2012) do provide
approximate analytical solutions for no recharge and constant recharge scenarios for radial flow in flat (non-sloping) water table aquifers.
Their equations introduce three new variables: aquifer thickness (B), porosity (n), and recharge rate (w). While useful for quick estimates, the flat water table assumption significantly distorts (underestimates) travel time if the true ambient hydraulic gradient towards the surface water body exceeds about 0.4% (0.004 m/m). Underestimating travel time is cautious (conservative) if compared to a 200-day travel time criterion but reckless (unconservative) if interpreting a negative MPA test.
time from surface water with no recharge
where:
ToT = travel time from surface water to well (d)
H = separation distance between well and high-water mark of surface water body (m)
B = average saturated thickness of the aquifer (m)
n = aquifer effective porosity (usually 0.25 to 0.30)
where: w = uniform areal recharge (m/d)
Groundwater software or a spreadsheet model can estimate travel time using a numericalintegration approach for sloped aquifers. Table 1 below compares the key results using equations [2] and [3] for a 20 metre thick aquifer, a 200 millimetre diameter well located 50 metre from a surface water body and a recharge rate of 100 mm/year, and a numerical integration model. As shown, with even a modest slope of 0.4% on the water table, Zhao & Haitjema (2012) underestimate travel time by about 35%.
For the scenario discussed in Table 1 (see following page), with a water table slope of 0.5%, travel time is about 200 days. Therefore, there is little point collecting MPA samples before ToT days of well operation, 200 days in this example.
IMPLICATIONS
MPA tests should wait until a professional engineer or hydrogeologist has reasonably estimated travel time (ToT) from a suspected surface water source and the well pump has operated for at least that length of time. This may conflict with the current state of practice in BC. Waiting until the well has operated for at least the estimated time of travel from surface water may cause delays in well classification,
FIGURE 3. Equilibrium capture zone scenario A: non-GUDI.
FIGURE 4. Equilibrium capture zone scenario B: GUDI.
treatment objective definition, and water treatment design. However, the conclusion that premature MPA testing will likely yield false negatives that are not protective of human health appears inescapable. MPA remains a foundational test to identify surface water particulates in groundwater, but only if the well has been producing water for enough time to draw in surface water. When wells are potentially GUDI, project teams may need to make preliminary GARP determinations without the benefit of MPA data, then design, construct, and operate the system for several months until MPA testing can meaningfully confirm or refute that preliminary assessment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dave Tamblyn
INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Analytical Products
Dave is a civil/environmental engineer, with 30 years of experience in hydrogeology, numerical modeling, environmental impact and risk assessment, economics and public health. He has worked as a consultant, regulator, educator and advisor. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering and Management in civil engineering from McMaster University and a Master of Engineering degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Toronto. Dave currently works as a Public Health Engineer for the First Nations Health Authority in BC, Canada
REFERENCES
BCMoH (Ministry of Health). (2015). Drinking Water Treatment Objectives (Microbiological) for Ground Water Supplies in British Columbia, Version 1. in MoH. 2017 Aug. Drinking Water Officers’ Guide. Part B-6. BCMoH (Ministry of Health). (2017). Guidance Document for Determining Ground Water at Risk of Containing Pathogens (GARP) Version 3 EGBC (Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia). (2019, July 16). Assessment of Groundwater at Risk of Containing Pathogens (GARP). Professional Practice Guidelines. Civil and Transportation Infrastructure. Version 1.0.
Grubb, S. (1993). Analytical model for estimation of steady‐state capture zones of pumping wells in confined and unconfined aquifers. Groundwater, 31(1), 27-32. Vasconcelos, J, & Harris, S. (1992). Consensus method for determining groundwaters under the direct influence of surface water using Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA) (No. PB-93-180818/XAB; EPA-910/9-92/029). Manchester Environmental Lab., Port Orchard, WA (United States).
Zhou, Y, & Haitjema, H. (2012). Approximate solutions for radial travel time and capture zone in unconfined aquifers. Groundwater, 50(5), 799-803.
STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION
Join BCWWA's annual design competition for an opportunity to apply your academic skills to real-world challenges and build your professional network. This year, we are partnering with the City of Coquitlam to assess the feasibility of green and grey infrastructure and improve stormwater runoff quality within the Nelson Creek watershed.
Why Participate?
Enhance your design, presentation and communication skills; E pand your water and wastewater sector knowledge and approach real-world challenges; Receive a complimentary one-year BCWWA student membership; and An opportunity to compete locally and internationally.
Eligibility
All team members must be:
A registered student at a post-secondary institution in British Columbia.
A senior student rd, th level or graduate in environmental, civil, chemical engineering or related fields.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
Thank you to our - municipal sponsor
““Public health concerns continue to grow as research reveals more information about the potential health risks associated with exposure to PFAS. Adding to this concern is the lack of consistency in the regulatory actions implemented.
Translating Research
By Dr. Rasha Maal-Bared
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of fluorinated organic, man-made compounds that have been manufactured since the mid-20th century and gained significant attention from the public and the scientific community due to their prevalence, persistence and toxicity. PFAS can repel oils, grease and water, remain unaffected by chemicals, reduce friction and withstand temperatures over 316°C without melting. According to the National Academies of Sciences, these highly desirable properties resulted in numerous PFAS industrial and commercial applications (e.g., fire-fighting foams, metal finishing, food packaging materials, some Gor-Tex products, Scotchgard, Stainmaster, Teflon and makeup). The term PFAS includes both perfluoroalkyl substances (i.e., every C-H bond has been replaced by a C-F bond) and polyfluoroalkyl substances (i.e., have both C-F bonds and C-H bonds). PFAS can be further subdivided based on carbon chain length (i.e., ‘short-chain’ vs. ‘long-chain’) and functional groups (e.g., carboxylic acids or ethers). These C-F bonds give PFAS their useful commercial properties but also create highly persistent compounds in water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), the environment and the human body.
The most commonly studied and regulated PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), but there are more than 5,000 other PFAS compounds. Public health concerns continue to grow as research reveals more information about the potential health risks associated with exposure to PFAS. Adding to this concern is the lack of consistency in the regulatory actions implemented. On August 9, 2024, Health Canada released an objective value for PFAS in drinking water of 30 ng/L for the sum total of 25 specific PFAS compounds to reduce exposure to PFAS in drinking water. Similarly, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) provided guidance to importers and domestic producers of biosolids on an interim PFAS standard to reduce human and environmental exposure to PFAS and PFAScontaining products. To be imported into or sold in Canada, commercial biosolids must contain less than 50 parts per billion (ppb) of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on a dry weight basis. Meanwhile, in April 2024, the US EPA proposed its first-ever national drinking water standard for PFAS to establish legally enforceable levels for PFOA (4 ng/L)
and PFOS (4 ng/L). An enforceable limit on a combination of PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS and GenX chemicals was also proposed.
PFAS MANAGEMENT
KNOWLEDGE
GAPS FOR WRRF OPERATORS
Because of their widespread use in industrial and commercial applications, PFAS have been consistently detected in groundwater, surface water, industrial and domestic wastewater, soil and air. As a result, the widespread presence of PFAS WRRFs influent and effluent is not a surprise. However, comprehensive quantitative data on their presence, fate and in different components of process trains (e.g., liquids, solids, gas, foam, centrate) remain poorly understood. The absence of this fundamental information is a critical barrier for utilities to effectively manage and respond to a rapidly evolving public perception and regulatory climate related to PFAS. As the PFAS body of knowledge continues to grow, the water industry needs to rapidly leverage and implement this much-needed information. Overall, the most practical and implementable PFAS research relevant to utility managers tends to have four characteristics (Figure 1). 1) It incorporates strategic collaborations across water industry silos (e.g., looks at PFAS in liquid and solid trains); 2) It is high-quality science that is asking the right practical questions using defensible scientific methods; 3) It includes a conscious effort to translate the academic science into practitioner terminology for operators who may not be PFAS experts; and 4) It proposes realistic technical or non-technical solutions that are cost-effective, safe, innovative and practical.
EXAMPLES OF PFAS RESEARCH TRANSLATION INTO ACTION
While much work has focused on PFAS over the last few years, most research investigates regulatory aspects of PFAS or treatment technologies that are very expensive and currently cost-prohibitive to implement. In this paper, we will provide an overview and interpretation of the cutting-edge Water Research Foundation (WRF) research on this emerging topic and provide guidance on how utility managers and operators can apply this research. Each project addresses unique aspects of PFAS fate and transport in WRRFs (see Figure 2).
WRF 5082 – Investigation of Alternative Management Strategies to Prevent PFAS from Entering Drinking Water Supplies and Wastewater
The goal of this project was to provide utilities with practical, implementable and cost-effective guidance on PFAS source control. To do this, the project collected existing data and utility experiences (e.g., case studies, database reviews) and filled PFAS source data gaps in wastewater, surface water and groundwater systems. The study found that on average, domestic wastewater accounted for half of the mass of total measured PFAS in the WWTP influent for the collection systems sampled. Thus, source control and industrial pretreatment have limitations in terms of PFAS control because of the domestic baseload. The Southern Nevada Water Authority indicated that at least 48% of individual PFAS entered the Las Vegas Watershed (i.e., the receiving water) through WWTPs, meaning the WWTPs are not the original PFAS sources but rather conduits of PFAS even in the absence of major industrial point sources. Finally, analyses of PFAS contamination sites showed that landfills and electroplating are relatively common point sources of PFAS to groundwater. Therefore, characterizing PFAS in industrial wastewater can aid decision-making.
WRF 5031 – Occurrence of PFAS Compounds in US Wastewater Treatment Plants
This project provided the scientific justification to develop appropriate guidance for site managers that benchmarks typical PFAS concentrations and flows from WRRFs, sampling procedures and analytical methods, as well as potential mitigation strategies. The study found that PFAS was detected in the influent, effluent and biosolids at every one of the 38 WWTPs sampled and that concentrations in liquid streams were higher than others in biosolids. This implies that regulations would impact almost every utility since PFAS is not treated and ends up in all WRRF treatment streams. The study also found that concentrations of longchain PFAS are declining over time in effluent, but PFOA concentrations are still of concern relative to state regulations and are likely to interfere with potable reuse applications and may impact utilities with high levels of de facto reuse. In some WWTPs, the concentrations of PFAS in effluent were higher than those in influent because WWTP biological processes may facilitate precursor transformations to PFAA. Thus, adapting to new regulations could require significant capital expenditures. Also, given the major delays in receiving PFAS results from commercial laboratories (more than four months wait time), it is advisable for WRRF operators who think they need PFAS data to start planning early to obtain data before it is needed.
FIGURE 1
4
3
The four characteristics of practical and implementable PFAS research relevant to utility managers and operators.
WRF 5042 – Assessing Polyand Perfluoroalkyl Substance Release from Finished Biosolids
The overall goal of the project was to assess PFAS release from finished biosolids into soil after application. Specifically, PFAS release was examined as a function of the amount of PFAS in the biosolids, the post-digestion processing of the biosolids and the age of the biosolids. The study used laboratory desorption experiments and mesocosms (i.e., the step between bench scale and field work) to test soil leaching outdoors under natural weathering conditions. The study found that PFAS were present in biosolids samples tested and that concentrations between the seven WRRF evaluated were generally comparable. Thus, regulations would impact all WRRF to varying
1 2
degrees since plants could be seen as critical intervention points. In addition, PFAS leaching from biosolids was sustained through six months mainly because of precursor transformation and PFAS leaching was inversely proportional to chain length (i.e., short chain PFAS are more mobile). This means that WRRF managers should consider biosolids PFAS monitoring to include precursors and short chain PFAS and to start planning early on.
WRF Project 5212 – Enhanced Aeration and Scum Recovery for Physical Removal of PFAS from Wastewater
This current study used bench- and field-scale testing to examine the occurrence of PFAS in WWTPs foams, aerosols and dewatering streams to assess the relative contribution of specific unit
Unique WRF Projects provide a holistic systems-level approach to fill knowledge gaps of the relative PFAS contributors and to maximize mitigation efforts at strategic intervention points (Source: Water Research Foundation, 2024).
FIGURE 2
““implementing scientific findings requires collaboration and major efforts from water industry subject matter experts and practitioners to translate academic science into actionable results.
processes on PFAS distribution in different plants. The study explored the possibility of concentrating PFAS using foam fractionation, similar to what is already done in leachate treatment. Results suggest that skimmers, screens and stable foam showed increasing levels of PFOS enrichment when WWTPs were tested. Solids dewatering streams were enriched up to 380 times relative to the aqueous influent and represent a significant component of the overall PFAS mass exiting the WWTP at one of the facilities examined. The concentrations of PFAS in dewatering streams imply that WRRF operators considering side stream treatment options may want to evaluate the potential effect of selected technologies on PFAS, if any. Also, during sampling, operation and maintenance of aeration basins operators may come in contact with enriched materials (e.g., foams) or volatile PFAS. Thus, ensuring health and safety measures are applied and job safety assessments or safe work plans are conducted is important for wastewater worker safety. Finally, from a practical point of view increasing aeration during BNR to increase foaming to allow for skimming of PFAS enriched foam is likely to interfere with BNR operation, especially for utilities with TN or P limits in their permits. Meeting permit limits should always remain a WWTP’s top priority. However, increasing aeration for PFAS removal in the enriched side stream when no total nitrogen limit is applied could be an interesting application.
CONCLUSIONS
While most research focused on the regulatory aspects of PFAS or treatment technologies that are currently too cost-prohibitive to implement at WRRFs, using novel science strategically to fill knowledge gaps and guide WRRF operation and maintenance provides major opportunities to support the water industry as we face imminent regulations and public scrutiny. However, implementing scientific findings requires collaboration and major efforts from water industry subject matter experts and practitioners to translate academic science into actionable results. We provided unique insights into current cutting-edge WRF research and guidance on how utility managers and operators can apply this research to potentially address real-life PFAS issues or plan PFAS monitoring designs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Rasha Maal-Bared is a Principal Scientist with CDM Smith Canada and an adjunct professor
at the University of Alberta. She completed her PhD in Environmental Microbiology at the University of British Columbia and her MSc degrees at the Harvard School of Public Health and Dalhousie University. She is the chair of the WEF Pathogens and Indicators Focus Group, which received the WEF 2020 Water Heroes award for their work on COVID-19. She also received the Empowering Women in Industry ‘Leadership in STEM/STEAM’ award in 2020, the WEF Volunteer Service Recognition in 2021 and the Western Canada Water Environment Association’s Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award in 2022.
Why We Do a Land Acknowledgement
On September 30, we observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This statutory holiday is an opportunity for each of us to acknowledge and learn about the generational legacy of the residential school system and the impacts to not only the children taken away but the families and communities left behind to deal with that loss. It is a time for recognition and learning as we all reflect on how we can be part of the journey to reconciliation and understand how colonial systems in Canada and across the world have impacted the lives of Indigenous Peoples.
It is also a time for us to commit to reconciliation not being something related to our work, but also personal growth that ensures that this is not a one-day event. It is an ongoing process to break down past assumptions and biases and move forward in learning about the territories, knowledge and histories from the Indigenous communities who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial.
In our water community, it is an opportunity to move beyond the handling, usage, and caring for water as a project that needs to be completed. Working in water means understanding that Indigenous Peoples have a sacred relationship to the land and water.
A first step to better our understanding of the ancestral territories is a land acknowledgement. The land acknowledgment has long been included in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report to respect and recognize the ties Indigenous Peoples have to their ancestral territories, culture, and ceremony. Fundamentally, it is a moment to
do the homework to learn from Indigenous communities about the relationship they have with the natural world that supports their ways of living. It is a time to acknowledge and admit the harmful history and continuing impact of colonialism. This acknowledgement is an opener for us to move forward in reconciliation, connect and learn from Elders and community members, and build trust through open and honest communication.
In May 2024, Freda Leong, a National Leader, Indigenous Communities & Manager, Indigenous Infrastructure at Associated Engineering and BCWWA Reconciliation Committee member, led a land acknowledgement and spoke with visiting delegates at the international Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) in Vancouver about the deeper meaning attached to a land acknowledgement and why building relationships comes first.
As imparted by Freda, there is no reconciliation without truth. Only when the truth is out in the open does a meaningful relationship develop. Here is what to consider when developing a land acknowledgement:
1. It is a traditional practice. Land acknowledgements find their origins within Nation-to-Nation tradition and protocol to welcome guests to a community.
2. It sets the tone and anchors our intention within the meeting or event.
A land acknowledgement that recognizes ancestral territories and preferred place names and spellings grounds the interaction in respect and truth. When we
begin with truth, it opens the door for all parties to bring hearts, minds and ways of knowing into the working relationship.
3. It is a path to reconciliation. It is a first step in making meaningful action towards reconciliation, particularly if the land acknowledgement goes beyond the recognition of a territory and commits to personal actions.
4. It acknowledges the relationship of ancestral land to Indigenous communities, from families and communities to a sense of place and home. Land acknowledgements should always hold a space for the complex nature of reconciliation and include the voices and representation of the Indigenous peoples who reside or hail from that specific territory.
There are many resources on hand to begin the work of preparing a land acknowledgement. While your company or organization may have a land acknowledgement available, it is important to do some personal reflection before making this offering. Take time to listen to the communities you are referencing in a land acknowledgement and learn about their history and the people who reside there today. Remember that at its heart, it is an acknowledgement that we are each other’s neighbours and stewards in the ultimate endeavour to take care of the land we all call home.
Here are some resources to get started with: • 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph • Native Land Digital: native-land.ca
We see water differently .
Clean water is a part of our region’s rich heritage. And Carollo is proud to be a part of the water legacy in British Columbia – ensuring our communities and ecosystems stay healthy for future generations. As North America’s largest waterfocused engineering firm, we have the resources, experience, and cutting-edge technologies to reach that goal. Plus, our singular focus on water gives us a unique perspective. It inspires incredible, innovative solutions. Attracts smart, passionate employees. And creates one of the most respected workplaces in the water industry. It’s been that way for 90 years.
1.800.523.5826 / carollo.com
Protecting Communities from
BACKFLOW CONTAMINATION
By Claire Ross, Research Analyst & Small Water Systems Coordinator, BCWWA
Backflow incidents occur when non-potable water comes into contact with potable water, contaminating the drinking water supply. These incidents have a direct impact on public health and safety and the trust that the public has with their community leaders. Reliable, clean and safe drinking water is an expectation of the public, who may have a minimal understanding of the infrastructure and programs in place at the municipal level to provide this service.
Cross connection control (CCC) is the series of activities in place to ensure that non-potable water does not contaminate potable water systems. CCC programs are the primary mechanism used to protect the public from contamination of the drinking water supply at the community level and provide the structure to ensure backflow risks are identified, mitigated and monitored. CCC programs can be found in communities of all sizes, but in practice, there are no standards to the way a CCC program is applied and what it consists of.
As it stands, not all communities across BC have a CCC program. It is not a regulatory requirement, leaving this vital program left to each community’s decision makers. The various inputs through legislation, regulation, codes and permits lead to differences in implementation between communities. If a community chooses to implement a CCC program, it is ultimately up to them as to what the program encompasses. Without a regulatory requirement, considering CCC programs as a best practice creates competition with other priorities at the municipal level. Capacity, current staff knowledge, support for staff training, funding mechanisms and other priorities of elected officials can all contribute to whether or not a community will have a CCC program and if that program is supported and developed enough to achieve its main function.
Beyond the decision-makers at the municipal level, advocating for a CCC program is a shared responsibility of property owners within the community and the general public given it is not a provincially regulated requirement. This complexity further challenges the scope of programs and has led to the inconsistent approach to CCC that we are experiencing today.
A study published in 2024 by the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) demonstrates that CCC programs are not well understood, are inconsistently applied across communities, aren’t funded properly and the regulatory landscape creates confusion and is open to interpretation. CCC is an evolving area that requires regular updates; it is a shared responsibility and smaller communities need greater support. These findings begin to demonstrate the complexity and current challenges within CCC and how this leads to difficulty in creating a sustainable program at the municipal level. When there are multiple factors at play and varying levels of capacity there is little incentive to develop programs further.
Industry professionals surveyed and interviewed continue to stress the importance of a community maintaining a sustainable CCC program. Industry practices to date have created what can be considered a very complex problem requiring support for programs at all levels to provide consistency across drinking water systems.
Given the information available, all communities should be working towards creating a CCC program to decrease the risk of contamination from non-potable water to their public drinking water supply. Based on feedback from communities across BC, there are a variety of factors that contribute to successful CCC programs.
First, CCC needs to be a written requirement. Without a standard requirement for a program, there is limited incentive for a community to develop a program. Communities have many competing priorities, and of those priorities, many communities simply must focus on other activities. Despite the importance of a sustainable CCC program to a community’s water system, without a written requirement, it will be continuously deprioritized. When strategic planning occurs, a written requirement for a program would allow a community to adequately plan for staffing and funding to meet the needs of a program.
Backflow incidents occur when non-potable water comes into contact with potable water, contaminating the drinking water supply. These incidents have a direct impact on public health and safety and the trust that the public has with their community leaders.
The second factor that contributes to a successful and sustainable CCC program is having municipal and operational leaders understand the importance of CCC within greater water operations and infrastructure. Industry knowledge is often held by staff currently working within the drinking water or wastewater operations team and these individuals need to be empowered to share their expertise and advocate for the importance of developing a CCC program or updating a community’s current program to align with industry best practices despite inconsistent interpretations on legislation, regulation and codes. Buy-in from both operational leadership as well as elected officials can create the space needed for program development.
The third factor leading to successful CCC programs is having a dedicated bylaw that contains specific language regarding enforcement mechanisms. Of the communities that have a bylaw relating to CCC, 54% include cross connection control within a larger municipal water bylaw.
Figure 1: CCC Bylaw configurations in BC.
Although CCC should be considered within greater water operations, hosting information around this program and its enforcement within a larger water bylaw creates further challenges when upgrades are needed. Given the nuance around the regulatory landscape for CCC, industry best practices are always evolving and new information should be used to continue to develop programs. Many municipalities are unwilling to review larger bylaws for smaller topics within them due to the process of needing to review a bylaw in its entirety. Should a stand-alone bylaw be used for CCC, it would allow for greater flexibility in terms of enforcement and space to include information about program requirements and processes.
A fourth factor for a successful program is a sustainable funding mechanism. Budgets change regularly and priorities will always be in competition but outlining a mechanism for funding that ties into the program itself will decrease the risk of cuts and capacity shortages that will ultimately influence the scope of the program. Further, the more a CCC program is integrated within both drinking water and wastewater operations, the better support the program will have. Integration between departments is just critical in larger municipalities as ensuring smaller communities have enough support when adding additional responsibilities and program requirements.
A fifth factor all successful CCC programs need is an effective mechanism to identify and track backflow prevention devices, backflow device testers and hazardous environments. As CCC is a shared responsibility, providing safe, clean drinking water to the public extends beyond municipal workers. The community must also understand the risk at the property level. Backflow prevention devices are used by backflow assembly testers to ensure nonpotable water does not flow back into the drinking water supply. These devices require calibration and have steps and protocols to ensure they are used correctly. Beyond measuring identified hazards, potential hazards should also be explored. Trained individuals are key and central to a sustainable program.
Given the best practices in the industry and the feedback from communities across BC, municipalities that do not have CCC programs are at an increased risk of contamination to their drinking water and put the health and safety of their community at risk. Many successful and sustainable programs continue to innovate thanks to the dedication of staff, their expertise, and their willingness to advocate for the best interests of their communities. New research demonstrates the inconsistent approach to CCC in BC and points to actionable success factors that will lead to sustainable programs. It is now up to community leaders across Canada to use this information and strengthen their water practices.
In 2024, the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) released its report on the state of community CCC programs in BC, complete with insights, findings and recommendations. The full report is available at bcwwa.org/site/ccc/ programs/ccc-report.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Claire Ross works at the BCWWA as a Research Analyst & Small Water Systems Coordinator. She brings expertise in coalition building and project management with a background in public policy and global affairs as well as public health and gerontology.
Figure 2: Community funding mechanisms for CCC programs.
Figure 3: Types of properties covered by cross connection control programs.
SAVE THE DATE: 2025 BCWWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW
We are pleased to announce that our 53rd annual conference is heading to BC’s capital city – Victoria! The BCWWA Annual Conference & Trade Show is BC’s premier water and wastewater event, featuring one of the largest trade shows of its kind in western Canada. This is an opportunity to network with BC and the Yukon’s water community, connect with industry suppliers and contacts, engage in education sessions, build skills and industry knowledge and so much more. We look forward to sharing more information about the many activities and networking opportunities we have for delegates over the coming weeks.
Registration begins December 5, 2024.
CONFERENCE VENUE:
The Fairmont Empress
721 Government Street, Victoria, BC
SPECIAL HOTEL RATES NOW AVAILABLE
Plan ahead and book your stay at our conference hotel, the Fairmont Empress!
TRADE SHOW LOCATIONS:
Carson Hall, Victoria Conference Centre (VCC) 720 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC
Crystal Garden
713 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC
Rates: Starting at $265 per night + taxes and fees. Book by March 25, 2025.
BCWWA EDUCATION COURSE CALENDAR
Self-Paced Instructor Assisted Online Courses
Are you looking for more flexibility and to enjoy learning at your own pace? If so, you may want to consider taking one of the BCWWA online certification courses. There is a dedicated instructor available throughout the course to provide guidance and answer questions via email. Registration for the fall 2024 series will open on September 9, 2024, and the courses will begin on October 5, 2024.
Self-Paced Continuous Enrollment Courses You
To
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL EXAM SCHEDULE
Schedule subject to change. Please visit the BCWWA CCC Exam Calendar at bcwwa.org/site/ccc/calendar for more information and updates.
Certification Exam
DATE TRAINING INSTITUTION
October 25, 2024
October 26, 2024
October 29, 2024
October 30, 2024
November 1, 2024
November 9, 2024
November 15, 2024
November 29, 2024
December 6, 2024
December 13, 2024
December 18, 2024
Recertification Exam
DATE
October 4, 2024
November 2, 2024
November 21, 2024
December 6, 2024
December 12, 2024
Pacific Vocational College (PVC)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
Surrey
BCIT Burnaby
BCIT Burnaby
MTS – Maintenance Tracking Systems, Inc. Vernon
Camosun College
Camosun College
Pacific Vocational College (PVC)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Kamloops
MTS- Maintenance Tracking Systems, Inc.
BCIT
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
Surrey
Camosun College Victoria
BCIT
MTS- Maintenance Tracking Systems, Inc.
BCIT
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