WATER SUPPLY

The Town of The Pas draws its raw water from the Saskatchewan River. Raw water is gravity fed to a wet well and then pumped into the water treatment plant.

TREATMENT PROCESS

At the wet well potassium permanganate is introduced to the raw water for total organic compound reduction and taste and odor control.

The raw water is then pumped into the water plant. At this point aluminum sulphate and a coagulant aid, Klar Aid, are added. The water is then sent to two mixing chambers where another coagulant aid, Aqua Floc, is introduced. From the mixing chamber, the water is sent to four (4) dual media filters. Chlorine is added as a disinfectant and fluoride for dental health before the finished water is sent into clear wells for storage.

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The treated water is pumped from the water treatment plant to the consumers via a system of underground pipes. The water is metered for consumption and is billed out accordingly.

WATER TESTING

Raw water is tested daily for turbidity, temperature & pH

Treated or finished water is tested daily for turbidity, chlorine residual, temperature and fluoride.

BACTERIOLOGICAL TESTING

Samples of raw water, treated water and points in the distribution system are tested bi-weekly for total coliforms and E.coli. The results of these tests are shown in the table below:

BACETERIOLOGICAL MONITORING AND REPORTING	Regulatory Requirement	PWS Performance
Number of raw/incoming water samples	26	27
Number of treated water samples	26	27
Number of distribution water samples	26	57
Frequency of testing	Bi-weekly	100%
Total coliform present in water samples	0 TC per 100 mL	100%
E.coli present in water samples	0 EC per 100 mL	100%
COMMENTS: The Town of The Pas Water System has met all the regulatory requirements for 2008.

TURBIDITY TESTING

Turbidity is a measurement of clarity of water. We use this test as a benchmark on how our treatment process is working. We are also obligated to meet regulatory requirements on the filtering process and the treated water that is sent to our consumers. The results of these tests are shown in the table below:

Turbidity Standards	Regulatory Requirement	PWS Performance
Chemically assisted, rapid gravity filtration process	< 0.3 NTU in at least 95% of the samples taken per month	94%
	Not to exceed 0.3 NTU for more than 12 continuous hours	94%
	Not to exceed 1.0 NTU at anytime	98%
Frequency of testing	Daily	94%

DISINFECTION TESTING & MONITORING

This testing is done to ensure that the water is safe for the consumer and to meet the regulatory requirements. The results of these tests are shown in the table illustrated below:

Chlorine Requirements	Regulatory Requirement	PWS Performance
(A) Free chlorine residual entering the distribution system	> 0.5 mg/L	100%
(B) Free chlorine residual in the distribution system	> 0.1 mg/L	70%
(C) Frequency of testing	Daily for A	100%
(C) Frequency of testing	Bi Weekly for B	100%
(D) Report submissions	Monthly	100%

FLOURIDE

A fluoride content test is done to the treated water to determine mg/L of fluoride in the treated water and to meet regulatory requirements. The results of these tests are show in the table below:

	Samples Taken	Composited Samples Required	Composited Samples Done
Number of fluoride samples	Daily	26	26
Flouride mg/L required 0.8-1.2 mg/L	100%	100%	100%

DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS MONITORING & REPORTING

These tests are done to meet Regulatory requirements. The results of these tests are shown on the following table:

DISINFECTION BY –PRODUCTS MONITORING AND REPORTING	Regulatory Requirement	PWS Performance
A) Trihalomethane sampling requirements	4 times per year	100%
B) Total Trihalomethane Standard	0.1 mg/L	0.0693 mg/L
C) Bromodichloromethane sampling requirements	4 times per year	100%
D) Bromodichloromethane Standard	0.016 mg/L	0.0081 mg/L

WATER CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS

Chemical analysis tests were done on the raw and treated water on September 15, 2008. The treated water met all the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality maximum acceptable concentrations for health-based parameters.

Chemical Parameter	PWS Performance (mg/L)	Maximum Acceptable Concentration (mg/L)	Did we meet the Standard?
Antimony	0.0005	0.006	Yes
Nitrate & Nitrite	0.01	10	Yes
Arsenic	0.0004	0.01	Yes
Barium	0.063	1	Yes
Boron	0.02	5	Yes
Cadmium	<0.00004	0.005	Yes
Chromium	<0.0002	0.05	Yes
Selenium	<0.0002	0.01	Yes
Uranium	0.0005	0.02	Yes
Dissolved Fluoride	1.33	1.5	Yes
Lead	<0.0002	0.01	Yes

EMERGENCY-COMPLIANCE ISSUES-2008

· There were 28 water breaks in 2008. One of the water breaks on Edwards Avenue put the Water Treatment Plant at risk due to low water levels in the clear wells.

· There were a number of non-compliance situations with turbidity regulations and chlorine residuals in the distribution system. The AECOM report on upgrades will address the chlorine residual problems. The turbidity issues were addressed in house to ensure the probability of future problems is negligible.

EXPENSES & UPGRADES

An engineering study was done on the water treatment plant in 2008 to determine the plants ability to meet current and future regulations and as a result there are a number of recommendations that are under review.

For general questions during regular business hours call the Engineering Dept. at

(204) 627-1125.

For emergency calls please phone (204) 623-2330

______________________________

Vincent Anderson, P.Eng

Municipal Superintendent

Town of The Pas