Adverse Water Quality Incident Report

Location:
Bradley Avenue, Savant Lake (NR)

Type of water source:
Groundwater, no treatment

Population served:
8 residences, only 3 occupied

Water works owned/operated by:
Thunder Bay District Housing Corporation

Date MOE notified and by whom:
December 22, 2004 by EnviroTest Laboratories

Date MOH notified and by whom:
December 22, 2004 by EnviroTest Laboratories

Date of First Sample(s):
December 15, 2004

Who conducted the sampling?:
Operator

Why was sampling initiated?:
Required by O. Reg. 170/03

Sample contaminant details:
High sodium - 21.3 mg/L Maximum Acceptable Concentration for sodium - 20 mg/L

Resampling details and results:
Resample collected on January 10, 2005. High sodium - 34 mg/L A Drinking Water Advisory was issued by the Northwestern Health Unit on January 14, 2005, due to the elevated sodium concentrations in the Bradley Avenue well supply. Persons suffering from hypertension, congestive heart failure, or requiring a sodium-restricted diet should not consume water from the Bradley Avenue Subdivision in Savant Lake.

MOE Role:
This drinking water system is subject to the requirements of the Safe Drinking Act and the Drinking-Water Systems Regulation. This system is classified as a non-municipal year round residential system. Ministry staff and the local Health Unit will continue to work closely with the owner of the system to protect public health, and to ensure that a safe potable water supply is maintained for the users of this water system.

Background (if there is a history of the site):
Raw water is obtained from three wells and distributed to the residences in a closed-loop system. Treatment is not provided. This facility has a history of bacteriological contamination. In 2004, 21 reports of adverse water quality due to bacteriological contamination were reported. In all cases, high concentrations of "background" bacteria were detected. Total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria (including E. coli) were not found. This facility has been on a Boil Water Advisory since March, 2001. On January 14, 2005, the Northwestern Health Unit reissued the Boil Water Advisory to all persons consuming water from the Savant Lake Housing, Bradley Avenue Subdivision. This was meant to serve as a reminder, as the safety of the drinking water cannot be guaranteed.

Incident Resolution:
Pending.