PFAS In Water Systems: A Canadian Perspective
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) has added a new fact sheet and resources on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water systems to its Drinking Water Resource Library.
PFAS are a large group of synthetic compounds that are often referred to as “forever chemicals”. They are used in a wide variety of industrial and consumer products, such as adhesives, cleaning products, cosmetics and specialized chemical applications, such as fire-fighting foams. This group of chemicals is resistant to heat, water, oils and grease, making them highly persistent in the environment and able to accumulate in living tissues, taking several years to decades for the body to eliminate. Due to their persistent nature, the chemicals can enter drinking water wells by leaching into groundwater.
The full fact sheet and related resources can be accessed free of charge through the Drinking Water Resource Library, at:
- https://wcwc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/PFAS-Fact-Sheet-2021-02-23-FINAL-ENG.pdf
- https://wcwc.ca/per-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-pfoa-pfos/
WCWC creates fact sheets to share information with water professionals. For more information, or to request topics for future fact sheets, please visit wcwc.ca or contact us at 866-515-0550 or dwrl@wcwc.ca.
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Drinking Water Quality Management Standard – Vision 2020
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) successfully hosted the provincewide live, virtual workshop, Drinking Water Quality Management Standard — Vision 2020, on November 4, 5, 25 and 26.
This workshop was planned for spring 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to host two virtual events in support of Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) representatives, utility managers, drinking water operators, regulators and municipal decision makers. One hundred twenty-three participants rotated through interactive breakout sessions to learn about applying QMS principles, change management strategies, records management, best management practices, the Ontario Watermain Disinfection Procedure, asset management, transitions to DWQMS 2.0, and continual improvement to wastewater and linear infrastructure.
This was WCWC’s ninth year hosting this popular workshop, and the virtual format was well received. “Extraordinary job on hosting virtually…I commend all for the great job” noted one participant.
To ensure information sharing, workshop presentations will be available on WCWC’s Drinking Water Resource Library at www.DrinkingWaterResourceLibrary.ca.
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Walkerton Clean Water Centre Pilot Testing Success
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) recently completed a pilot testing project with the Township of Tay to address seasonal taste and odour events.
Staff from WCWC and the Township of Tay review the set-up and operation of the on-site pilot plant
The community has been experiencing seasonal taste and odour events, such as geosmin and methyl-isoborneol (MIB) in the raw and treated water. The community’s ultrafilter effluent was used to test an advanced oxidation process (AOP) (high UV dose + hydrogen peroxide) and granular activated carbon (GAC) to reduce taste and odour compounds. WCWC confirmed that both AOP and GAC removed the taste and odour compounds to below the odour threshold; however, additional chlorine was needed after the AOP process. The township and engineering consultant will use the results to select the appropriate treatment for their system upgrades.
WCWC conducts pilot tests for clients to enhance their understanding of source water characteristics and the performance of treatment processes and alternative treatment options. Bench or pilot scale projects can be undertaken at a client’s location or at the Technology Demonstration Facility in Walkerton.
WCWC has years of pilot testing experience in areas such as natural organic matter, disinfection by-products, iron and manganese treatment, arsenic, and coagulation. Pilot testing reports are available on WCWC’s Drinking Water Resource Library at www.DrinkingWaterResourceLibrary.ca, which is a free online portal that assists drinking water professionals find information on various topics.
To learn more about WCWC’s pilot testing services, please visit wcwc.ca/pilot-testing/ or contact us at 866-515-0550.
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Drinking Water Resource Library FAQ’s
Are you looking for reliable information on drinking water? Laura Zettler, Drinking Water Resource Coordinator, describes what you can find on the Drinking Water Resource Library.
1. What is the Drinking Water Resource Library?
The library is an online database of resources and website links providing information relating to drinking water. We provide this service to the operators, owners, inspectors and decision makers of water treatment systems and to the public. It is available online free of charge to anyone at any time.
2. What topics are covered?
Any resources that relate to drinking water quality or common issues found in Ontario are collected. We have curated groups for the most popular searches, making it easier to browse. These topics include regulatory guidance, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), arsenic, lead, legionella and microplastics, to name a few. We also have a new folder, being updated daily, featuring resources relating to the current coronavirus pandemic.
3. How many resources are there?
Currently there are over 5,000 resources available for browsing but we continue to add new or relevant information every day.
4. Is there a cost to use it?
There is no cost to use this service. The goal is to have information readily available to anyone who seeks it. WCWC also hosts a free helpline where we will help locate information or direct callers to the right contacts. You can contact the helpline at 1-855-306-1155 or helpline@wcwc.ca.
5. Who do I contact if I have a suggestion for new information?
If you have suggestions for content or would like to submit your own resources contact us at inquiry@drinkingwaterresourcelibrary.ca. WCWC also collects anonymous feedback using a survey that can be found on our library webpage.
You can visit www.wcwc.ca and find the library under the services tab or visit this link:
https://wcwc.ca/services/drinkingwaterresourcelibrary/.
Resources on Covid-19 Available for Drinking Water Professionals
The spread of COVID-19 is an evolving situation that the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is acting upon. WCWC will continue to serve its clients and is making new resources available to the water sector daily through the Drinking Water Resource Library and the Helpline.
WCWC has added a dedicated section to the Drinking Water Resources Library containing links to guidance documents, fact sheets and free webinars related to COVID-19 for water professionals. This online system provides access to a variety of trusted resources and features multiple search functions to assist our clients in their search for information.
As well, WCWC staff will continue to respond to technical calls and provide information related to drinking water treatment processes, equipment, operational requirements and environmental factors through the Helpline. Staff will respond to inquiries during business hours, Monday to Friday, as we always have.
Visit https://wcwc.ca/services/drinkingwaterresourcelibrary/ and scroll down to view the folder of resources on the COVID-19 pandemic and the water sector or contact the Helpline at 1-855-306-1155 or helpline@wcwc.ca.
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