Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey. March 2015

Transcription

1 March 2015

2 Table of Contents How to Complete the Survey... 3 Introduction... 4 Respondent Information Drinking Water Safety Plan Drinking Water Safety Plan: Assessment of Risks to Water Wells Drinking Water Safety Plan: Water Quality in Wells Drinking Water Safety Plan: Protecting Water Quality in Cisterns Operating Procedures: General Operating Procedures: Equipment and Materials Operating Procedures: Recordkeeping and Unusual Conditions Operating Procedures: Sampling Operating Procedures: Monitoring Water Quality Operational Plan: Costs of Chemical Testing Operating Procedures: Security of the Drinking Water System Operator Education Approval to Operate Other Comments Regarding Regulation of Drinking Water Systems Method of Consultation APPENDIX I: OUTLINE OF DRINKING WATER SAFETY PLAN APPENDIX II: ANNEX A APPENDIX III: MORE ABOUT VIRUSES APPENDIX IV: REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER CISTERNS Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 2

3 How to Complete the Survey Completed surveys can be returned by mail, by fax, or by . BY FAX: BY MAIL: Carol Blair and Associates Inc. 1 P.O. Box 921 Millet, Alberta T0C 1Z0 BY Scan and to : ABdrinkingwatersurvey@gov.ab.ca Please return your completed survey by March 25, Thank you for contributing to the health of all Albertans. 1 Carol Blair and Associates Inc. is an independent consulting firm that has been contracted to administer the survey on behalf of Alberta Health. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 3

4 Introduction Proposed Revisions to Small Drinking Water System Requirements in Alberta As described in the letter of invitation, Alberta Health is reviewing the regulatory requirements for drinking water provided in public facilities such as food establishments, campgrounds, short and long term accommodations/lodging, schools, faith assemblies, halls, work camps, mobile home parks, and numerous other small businesses that do not receive their drinking water from a municipal system. For purposes of this survey, these are called drinking water systems and include facilities using water from a cistern, a well, river, lake or dugout. The existing regulations, located in the Nuisance and General Sanitation Regulation, Public Health Act, are minimal and do not provide the protective measures needed for delivery of safe drinking (potable) water in public places. Changes are being proposed to enhance the requirements of that Regulation to support the provision of potable drinking water for all users. The Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey (the survey) describes the proposed changes to the Regulation and asks for your feedback and comments on each of the proposed changes. Your response will help Alberta Health understand and consider the possible impact of the changes on your operation. Carol Blair and Associates Inc. is an independent consulting firm that has been contracted to administer the survey on behalf of Alberta Health. If you have any questions about the information in the survey, please contact Debra Mooney, Environmental Public Health Advisor, Alberta Health toll free by dialing then , or by at ABdrinkingwatersurvey@gov.ab.ca. If you wish to review the current drinking water requirements contained in the Nuisance and General Sanitation Regulation please copy the following link into your browser address bar: We value your feedback on the future of drinking water regulations in the province. Thank you for giving us your time to complete the survey and provide your input. The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Please return your completed survey by March 25, Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 4

5 Respondent Information Are you completing this survey as an individual respondent or on behalf of an organization (e.g. AUMA, AAMDC)? Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. Individual Organization Contact Information Name: Company (optional): City/Town/Municipality: (optional): Phone (optional): The personal information you provide is being collected under the authority of Section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. This personal information will be used to gather stakeholder perspectives and opinions which will be used by the Government of Alberta to assist in developing proposed changes to Alberta s regulatory framework for drinking water quality. Questions regarding the collection, use or disclosure of this information, may be directed to Debra Mooney, Environmental Public Health Advisor at General questions about the FOIP Act may be directed to the Alberta Health FOIP Office at Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 5

6 Information about your operation Please describe the type of business that you operate Select all that apply: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box(es). Business (includes golf courses, museums, warehouses, stores) Campground Care Facility Communal Water (includes summer villages) Educational Facility ESRD System Food Establishment Lodging/Housing (includes rental accommodations) Mobile Home Park Personal Service Facility (includes hair salons, tattoo parlours) Place of Assembly (includes faith assemblies, community halls) Recreational Facility Work Camp Other (please specify) Source of Water Please specify your water source. Select all that apply: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box(es). Well greater than 50 feet (15 metres) deep Well less than 50 feet (15 metres) deep (e.g. shallow or artesian well) Surface water (river/lake/dug out) Cistern Don t know Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 6

7 Type of Treatment Currently Used Please specify the type of treatment currently used. Select all that apply: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box(es). Chlorination Distillation Filtration Iron Filtration Ozonation Reverse Osmosis Ultraviolet Disinfection Water Softening None Other (please specify) Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 7

8 1.0 Drinking Water Safety Plan Current Situation: A wide range of contaminants may be found in drinking water. Some contaminants are found at levels that may affect the health of those drinking and using the water. One of the best ways to reduce the risk to the public and assure a supply of safe drinking water is to consider the source of the water, review the quality of the water, and identify actions to be taken, as needed, to improve and protect water quality. The World Health Organization recommends using a tool called the Drinking Water Safety Plan which helps operators to know their system. The Drinking Water Safety Plan can be adapted to small water supplies. The operator first determines if the source of the drinking water is adequately protected and if contaminants may be entering the water; then decides how to minimize the contamination through measures such as better protection and water treatment. An example of the types of information needed to develop a plan can be viewed in the Drinking Water Safety Plan Outline (Appendix I). A template for the plan will be provided and technical assistance will be available when developing a plan. The operator would be given a reasonable amount of time to prepare the plan. Proposed Requirement: Every operator shall prepare and maintain a Drinking Water Safety Plan and implement the actions identified in the plan to ensure that the water is safe for human use and consumption. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 8

9 1.1 Drinking Water Safety Plan: Assessment of Risks to Water Wells Current Situation: When assessing the quality of the source of the drinking water, such as a well, operators need to determine the likelihood of chemicals or microbes running off the surface of the ground or from surface water into the well. A well that is greater than 50 feet deep, which has a drillers report showing drilling and construction details and with no history of unsatisfactory bacteriological results, is generally considered high quality and would not need to go through a groundwater assessment. For a water well with uncertain water quality, for example, a well with shallow depth, or a history of unsatisfactory results, the government currently requires extensive water testing as set out in the Groundwater Under the Influence of Surface Water (GUDI) Assessment Tool. This tool has been revised based on new information on how to assess contaminants in the water. An overview is provided in Annex A (Appendix II) If a well is found to be under the influence of surface water, treatment is then required to ensure safe drinking water. Proposed Requirement: Water wells with uncertain water quality shall be evaluated using the revised GUDI assessment tool during the approval process to determine if a well is affected by surface water and requires more extensive treatment. Every well must be protected from environmental contamination and drilled by a certified well driller. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 9

10 1.2 Drinking Water Safety Plan: Water Quality in Wells Current Situation: Wells less than 50 feet deep or affected by surface water are known to be contaminated with bacteria and viruses. Operators are required to disinfect the water to kill any microbes including bacteria and viruses. In contrast, wells greater than 50 feet deep, with proper construction during drilling and no history of contamination with bacteria have been considered high quality and safe for use without any further treatment. However, a growing body of evidence has confirmed the presence of very small microbes, called viruses, in the deep high quality wells. Viruses are not easily detected and are not part of the drinking water tests currently being conducted and may go undetected in a water supply. Because of the possible presence of harmful viruses in both shallow wells and high quality water wells, the operator should disinfect water from any well in order to kill the viruses. Disinfection could be done using chlorine, ultraviolet light or similar technology. More information about viruses is available at: Appendix III: More About Viruses Health Canada: Enteric Viruses: Proposed Requirement: Every water source used in a public facility shall be disinfected, to reduce the risk of illness associated with bacteria and viruses. A five year timeframe will be provided before this requirement becomes mandatory. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement No Comment I do not have a well. If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 10

11 1.3 Drinking Water Safety Plan: Protecting Water Quality in Cisterns Current Situation: Every cistern used to provide water to the public must contain water obtained from a safe supply, approved by Alberta Health Services, and maintained to ensure the quality and safety of the water. This requirement is found in Section 14 of the Nuisance and General Sanitation Regulation: 14 The owner of a cistern that is used to hold a potable water supply intended for consumption by the public shall ensure that the cistern (a) is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition (b) is not used for any other purpose. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has now released standards (B126 Water Cisterns) on how to maintain water quality when filling a cistern, how to clean and disinfect a water cistern, and when to monitor water quality. These standards provide clear direction for the operator as to how to maintain the cistern in a clean and sanitary condition. An outline of the requirements can be found at: Appendix IV: Requirements for Water Cisterns The CSA Standard also sets out construction requirements for new cisterns which ensure that materials used for construction do not leach into the stored water and that the walls of the cistern water are not leaking or allowing water to enter. Proposed Requirement: The owner of a cistern shall comply with the requirements of the Canadian Standards Association B126 Water Cisterns for the (i) construction, (ii) installation, (iii) operation and maintenance of cisterns. The cistern construction requirements would only apply to new cisterns installed after the coming into force date of the regulation. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement No Comment I do not have a cistern. If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 11

12 2.0 Operating Procedures: General Current Situation: The day to day operations in overseeing a drinking water system are key to the ongoing safety of the drinking water. Operating procedures that are well understood and documented ensure that equipment is maintained, water quality is regularly monitored, and responses to unusual situations such as unsatisfactory water results are in place. Technical support, templates and examples of procedures would be available to help develop and record the operating procedures. Proposed Requirement: The operator shall develop and document the operating procedures, within 1 year from the coming into force date of the Regulation. The operating procedures would outline procedures to operate and maintain treatment and disinfection equipment, monitor water quality parameters and respond to emergencies (for example, boil water orders, flooding etc.). The procedures shall be reviewed and revised on a routine basis. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 12

13 2.1 Operating Procedures: Equipment and Materials Current Situation: The equipment, materials and chemicals that come into contact with drinking water must be of a quality that prevents contaminants from being added to the water and ensures that chemicals are of consistent quality and concentration and effectiveness. Approved chemicals would be available through suppliers in larger centres in Alberta. Proposed Requirement: The operating procedures would state that: a. all equipment and materials used in treating drinking water (installed or used after the coming into force date of the new regulation) shall meet the American National Standards Institute(ANSI)/National Standards Foundation (NSF) Standard 61: Drinking Water System Components Health Effects, and; b. all chemicals used in production of drinking water shall meet the American National Standards Institute/National Sanitation Foundation Standard 60: Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals Health Effects. Select one: Indicate one choice per row by placing an x in the appropriate box. Support Suggest Requirement Revision Equipment and materials meet ANSI standard Chemicals meet ANSI standard Do not support requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement(s) or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 13

14 2.2 Operating Procedures: Recordkeeping and Unusual Conditions Current Situation: Recordkeeping provides information on water quality conditions and water treatment, and demonstrates the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the drinking water. This information is needed if an external review should be necessary. Records should include information regarding any incident of significance or unusual conditions, such as unsatisfactory bacteriological water results, or chemicals that are too high or too low. This type of information is useful when reviewing operations with staff from Alberta Health Services to assess if any further action is needed. Proposed Requirement: An operator shall record water quality results for chemistry and bacteriology, use of any chemicals, chemical concentrations (such as chlorine), maintenance of equipment, complaints, and unusual events that differ from the expected operational conditions (e.g. upset conditions) and report unusual events affecting water quality to Alberta Health Services. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 14

15 2.3 Operating Procedures: Sampling Current Situation: Sampling, or monitoring, and testing of the water provides strong evidence about the safety of the water for drinking. Routine testing of the bacteriological and chemical water quality can provide information on levels of contaminants in the source water, whether the source water is changing and if treatment procedures are working. Proper sampling procedures affect the quality of results. Poor sampling and handling of samples can lead to false results, unnecessary or inadequate actions or a false sense of security that the water quality is satisfactory. Alberta Health and Environment and Sustainable Resource Development are developing procedures on how to take samples and how often samples should be taken. Proposed Requirement: Operators will follow standard sampling procedures. They will also record the sampling procedures specific to their system and include information such as the type of sampling (for example water chemistry) how often to sample and where to sample. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 15

16 2.4 Operating Procedures: Monitoring Water Quality Current Situation: The greatest concern with drinking water is the risk of transmitting disease causing organisms. Water quality can be measured by testing for organisms such as E.Coli and total coliforms on a routine basis. Water provided to the public is considered safe if it meets the microbiological standards set out by Health Canada (no coliforms and no E. coli in the water.) A second health concern is exposure to chemicals through drinking water, some naturally occurring and others due to nearby sources of pollution. A number of chemicals may cause health issues when consumed over long periods of time. These chemicals should be measured to see if they are present in the water and at what concentrations. Water provided to the public must meet the standards set out by Health Canada for chemicals of concern including nitrates and fluoride, and heavy metals such as arsenic, manganese, and lead. For surface water supplies located in agricultural areas, more extensive testing would be needed for chemicals such as pesticides. Proposed Requirement: For testing bacteria, operators will take and submit samples of water to test for E. coli and total number of coliforms at the Provincial Laboratory of Public Health. At a minimum, samples would be required twice per year. For testing of chemicals, operators will take and submit samples of water for testing of chemicals of concern in the source water to an approved laboratory, designated by the Government of Alberta. The list of approved laboratories will be made available to operators. The results will determine the type of treatment required, if any, and the need for further testing. At a minimum, a test of a broad set of chemicals will be required every 5 years. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 16

17 2.5 Operational Plan: Costs of Chemical Testing Current Situation: Chemical testing of public drinking water measures the levels of chemicals known to cause health concerns. Testing, although not currently required, is available through private laboratories for a fee, which is estimated to be between $200 $400 for chemical testing and an additional $ for pesticide testing. Proposed Requirement: Operators will cover the costs of chemical testing conducted by private laboratories. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 17

18 2.6 Operating Procedures: Security of the Drinking Water System Current Situation: A water supply or system may be contaminated by malicious or criminal actions and should be protected as much as possible. The water supply can be protected by simple measures such as a lock on the door. Proposed Requirement: The operator shall record and implement measures to secure and protect the system. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 18

19 2.7 Operator Education Current Situation: Training and certification of operators looking after the drinking water supply and system help to ensure that the system is well maintained and providing safe, and reliable drinking water. Knowledge empowers an operator to recognize the importance of water quality to public health, understand the risks to the water, interpret monitoring information and builds competency to operate the system. Although training has not been mandatory for small public systems, Environment and Sustainable Resource Development recognizes a 6 8 hour course focused on the information needed to operate a small system (the Small Water System Certificate currently provided by the Alberta Water and Wastewater Operators Association) which would be suitable for small system operators in the province. Proposed Requirement: The operator of a small drinking water system shall be appropriately certified (qualified) to supervise and carry out day-to-day operations of the drinking water system. Operators would have 3 years after the coming into force of the regulation to obtain certification. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 19

20 3.0 Approval to Operate Current Situation: A number of public facilities with drinking water supplies, such as food facilities or pools, have approval to operate under the Public Health Act but the approvals do not formally consider drinking water and are not required for all public facilities providing drinking water. Proposed Requirement: Each operator will obtain approval to operate a drinking water system. The operator would have a reasonable amount of time (at least one year) from coming into force to apply for approval. Generally, approvals include an application providing information on the water source, the water quality, and any measures used to protect the water would be reviewed. This process builds public confidence that the water provided in public places is well managed and safe to drink. Conditions may be attached to the approval to allow time for operators to comply with new requirements or establish exceptions for requirements that do not apply. It is important that any major changes to a water system, including ownership, are reported to ensure that the records are accurate and up-to-date. Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. I support the proposed requirement I suggest that the proposed requirement be revised I do not support the proposed requirement If you DO NOT support the proposed requirement or would like to SUGGEST A REVISION please explain your response below. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 20

21 4.0 Other Comments Regarding Regulation of Drinking Water Systems Please provide any additional comments that you may have on the current or proposed regulations for drinking water systems. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 21

22 5.0 Method of Consultation *Did this electronic survey provide you with an adequate opportunity to respond and consider the proposed changes? Select one: Indicate your choice by placing an x in the appropriate box. Yes, this electronic survey was adequate to provide my feedback No, I would have preferred to participate in a face to face meeting No comment Other (please provide detail below) Other comments regarding method of consultation: Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 22

23 APPENDIX I: OUTLINE OF DRINKING WATER SAFETY PLAN 1. Describe the water supply. 2. Consider all potential biological (bacteria, viruses), physical and chemical hazards that could be associated with the water supply and their causes. 3. Determine which are most significant or priority hazards (how likely they are to occur). 4. Identify what activities (corrective actions) are needed to reduce those hazards considered significant. 5. Set monitoring requirements (what, when and who) and targets for protecting the water source, water quality, and operation of equipment. 6. Establish recordkeeping to demonstrate adherence to the water safety plan. 7. Identify potential emergencies and plans to respond should they occur. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 23

24 APPENDIX II: ANNEX A Proposed GUDI Assessment Tool (GUDI= groundwater under direct influence of surface water) The proposed revisions to the GUDI document are outlined below. 1. The Guideline takes a phased or step-by-step approach to the GUDI assessment. The assessment has 3 parts or phases. 2. In Phase 1, a set of criteria are used to determine if a well should be given an automatic GUDI designation. It also assesses well protection measures such as well construction, (i.e. annular seal, well location (cannot be in a pit or basement) and specific setback requirements from known contamination sources. 3. When the well is located in a sensitive setting, for example within 100 m of surface water, adjacent to potential source of contamination, a preliminary hydrogeological assessment (called Phase 2) is needed to collect more information, including raw water sampling and analysis. If there is insufficient data to show that the well is protected, an advanced hydrogeological investigation would be required. 4. At the end of Phase 1 and any hydrogeological assessment, a well may be clearly designated as GUDI, or non-gudi, or where possibly (provisional) non-gudi, require further investigation as required in Phase 3 Raw Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment. 5. In Phase 3a, a Raw Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment is required which includes: i. mandatory well site drainage inspections, collection of raw water samples and analysis for microbiological, chemical and physical parameters over one year. ii. Sample frequency and triggers. The proposed weekly sampling frequency is expected to result in substantial increase in the well owner s operational costs, but it is considered necessary for statistically relevant data analysis. (Reference: Information Sheet 3.5: Number of Samples Required contained in the 2011 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines). At the end of Phase 3, a well may be designated GUDI, non-gudi, or Level 2 Provisional non-gudi and subject to the Phase 3b Extended (Additional Year) Monitoring Period). 6. In Phase 3b, an extended Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA) is proposed if chemical/physical parameters showed evidence of seasonality or fluctuation. At the end of Phase 3b, the well is designated either GUDI or non-gudi. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 24

25 APPENDIX III: MORE ABOUT VIRUSES Many human viruses capable of causing gastroenteritis (enteric viruses) can be transmitted via water. These viruses are highly infectious, extremely small ( nm) and can persist for weeks to months in the aquatic environment. The extremely small size of waterborne gastroenteritis viruses improves their ability to move through groundwater and travel hundreds to thousands of metres from the sources of pollution. There is still uncertainty over probable virus survival times in groundwater and over viral travel times/distances/pathways. In the developed world, the over-whelming majority of waterborne viral gastroenteritis cases originate from the ingestion of human calicivirus (predominantly norovirus) with rotavirus, astrovirus, adenovirus, emerging viruses and enteroviruses also contributing to the cases of waterborne gastroenteritis. The recommended disinfection systems are outlined in Health Canada s Guideline for Canadian Drinking Water Quality for Enteric Viruses. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 25

26 APPENDIX IV: REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER CISTERNS Based on: Canadian Standards Association B126 Water Cisterns A. New Cisterns: a. Any new cistern being installed shall meet the construction requirements of B126 stamped with the CSA data plate. b. New cisterns shall be located away from sources of contamination such as livestock areas, sewage disposal systems and protected from sources of contamination with proper drainage. c. Installation of cistern shall be done as outlined by manufacturers instructions. B. Filling the Cistern a. Water shall be from a source approved by Alberta Health Services. b. Filling shall be conducted in a manner to prevent contamination of the water, the fill caps, and prevent overfilling. c. Hoses shall be disinfected prior to use, never placed inside the cistern d. Care shall be taken to prevent contamination during filling of the cistern e. Do not fill under adverse weather conditions C. Maintenance and Cleaning a. Cisterns are considered a confined space and only properly trained individuals should enter the cistern. b. Clean the cistern before initial use, once per year, when water supply source changes or if contamination occurs due to maintenance or repairs. c. Only food grade cleaners shall be used. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 26

27 D. Disinfection a. Cisterns shall be shock chlorinated after cleaning, at least once per year, and whenever contamination has occurred. b. A procedure for shock chlorination is provided. c. Disposal of water from shock chlorination must meet local requirements. d. For water that is stored for long periods of time, the chlorine residual will decrease and water is no longer considered potable. If necessary, the water shall be disinfected either using chlorine or ultraviolet. E. Monitoring a. The water stored in a cistern, shall be sampled and submitted to Alberta Health Services for analysis at least 4 times per year. Those cisterns serving the elderly or young children should be sampled at least once per month. Alberta Health Drinking Water Regulation Survey March 2015 Page 27