Latest Updates on Water System
Microbiological Test Result - January 2026
Routine water quality sampling was conducted on January 19, 2026 at key community facilities, including the Band Office, Health Center, Tano Fuel and one residential unit. Laboratory results indicate acceptable chlorine residuals and no detection of microbiological contaminants, including E. coli and total coliforms. The water system continues to meet safety standards.
Water Quality Update – Southside Well #2
As part of our ongoing work to prepare Well #2 on the Southside to begin supplying water to the Southside community, we recently carried out a microbiological water quality test. This is an important step before we connect the well to the distribution system, ensuring the water is safe and reliable for everyone.
The test looked for two key indicators:
- Total Coliform – these bacteria are found in soil and the environment. If detected in water, they act as a warning that something unwanted may be getting in.
- E. coli – this bacteria comes from human or animal waste. If found in water, it shows there is contamination and the water would not be safe to drink.
The good news:
The results from the September 22, 2025 test showed no coliform and no E. coli in the water from Well #2. In other words, the sample was completely clean and met Canadian drinking water standards.
This is a positive step forward in bringing Well #2 into service for the Southside. We will continue with the necessary checks and preparations so that the community can have safe, reliable access to water.
The Story of Hardness in Our Water
When people talk about “hard water” or “soft water,” they’re talking about hardness – the amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water. These are natural minerals that water picks up as it flows through soil and rock.
Hardness isn’t a health risk. In fact, calcium and magnesium are important nutrients. But hardness affects how water feels, tastes, and behaves:
Hard water can leave scale in kettles, pipes, or hot water heaters.
It makes soap less effective, sometimes leaving a “film” on skin or dishes.
Softer water feels smoother and can be easier on appliances.
That’s why Health Canada hasn’t set a MAC (Maximum Acceptable Concentration) for hardness. Instead, it’s considered an aesthetic parameter.
What Our Results Show
Looking at the graphs for Northside and Southside:
In earlier years, hardness was often in the 200–300 mg/L range — definitely in the “very hard” category. This would have been noticeable in daily life, with more scaling in kettles and plumbing.
Around 2018–2020, hardness dropped sharply, even approaching very low levels at times, reflecting big changes in treatment or water sourcing.
More recently, both sides have stabilized between 90–150 mg/L, which falls into the moderately hard to hard range. This is a good balance: not so hard as to cause major scaling, but not so soft that water feels flat.
The Story of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Our Water
Every glass of water holds more than just H₂O. Along the way, water dissolves tiny amounts of minerals and salts from the rocks and soils it passes through. These natural ingredients are measured together as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
TDS includes things like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium — the same minerals you find in food or supplements. In fact, a moderate level of TDS is what gives water its “taste.” Water with almost no TDS can taste flat, while very high TDS can make water salty or bitter.
Health Canada sets an Aesthetic Objective (AO) of 500 mg/L for TDS. This is not a health limit — it’s about taste and consumer acceptability. Water above 500 mg/L may start to taste unpleasant or leave deposits, but it isn’t a direct health risk.
The Story of Manganese in Our Water
Water has always been at the heart of community life. It nourishes us, sustains our traditions, and connects every home. But water also carries with it the natural world — and one of those companions is manganese, a mineral that comes from the rocks and soils beneath our feet.
Manganese itself is not a villain. In fact, our bodies actually need tiny amounts of it every day to stay healthy. We usually get it from foods like nuts, beans, or leafy greens. But like many things in life, balance is important. Too much manganese in drinking water, especially over many years, can begin to affect health — particularly in infants and children, where it may influence learning and memory. Even before that, excess manganese makes itself known through water that tastes metallic or leaves dark stains on sinks, clothes, and fixtures.
Health Canada set two important markers in 2019:
MAC (Maximum Acceptable Concentration) – 0.12 mg/L: the strict safety line.
AO (Aesthetic Objective) – 0.02 mg/L: the level that keeps water tasting and looking clean.
Our community’s journey tells a story of progress. In 2019, new systems brought manganese levels down quickly, but by 2020–2021, the results were less consistent and sometimes above the health guideline. After upgrades in late 2021, the graphs began to shift — the spikes disappeared, and manganese levels stabilized. Since then, aside from one quick Southside spike in 2023 that was fixed immediately, both systems have stayed safely within Health Canada’s limits.
Sometimes, though, you might still see discoloration at home. Don’t worry — this can happen when old deposits of manganese in the pipes get stirred up, often after hydrant flushing, water maintenance, or even a sudden change in temperature. The solution is simple: let your tap run for a few minutes and the water will clear.
So what do the graphs really tell us?
They tell the story of a community that acted, adapted, and improved. Today, our water is safe, stable, and carefully monitored — a success story we can all be proud of.
The Story of Arsenic in Our Water
Arsenic has always carried a certain mystery. Known in history books as a poison, it is actually a naturally occurring element found in rocks and soils, just like manganese. When water moves through the ground, small amounts of arsenic can dissolve and end up in our drinking water.
At very low levels, arsenic in water doesn’t cause immediate harm. But the concern is long-term exposure. Over many years, drinking water with too much arsenic has been linked to health problems such as skin changes, cardiovascular issues, and even certain cancers. Because of these risks, Health Canada has set a strict Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) of 0.01 mg/L.
So, what do our community’s results tell us?
The story is reassuring. Both the Southside and Northside water systems have consistently tested well below the MAC. While you may notice small fluctuations in the graphs, the values remain comfortably within safe limits. Even during times when water systems elsewhere in Canada or the world face arsenic concerns, our monitoring shows that our community’s water remains safe to drink.
The important message is this: arsenic is something we watch carefully, but it is not something to fear in our water today. The graphs are a reminder that careful monitoring and treatment protect our health, and that the water flowing into our homes is safe for everyday use.
In short, arsenic tells us a story about vigilance. Nature puts it in the ground, science tells us the limits, and our community ensures the water stays well below them. That’s why we can confidently say our water is safe.
The Story of Lead in Our Water
Lead is not a mineral we look for in nature’s water. Instead, it’s a metal that makes its way into drinking water mostly through human-made materials — old pipes, plumbing solder, or fixtures that once used lead. Because of this, the story of lead in water is not just about geology, but about the history of how we built our homes and water systems.
Health Canada takes lead extremely seriously. The Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) for lead is set at 0.005 mg/L, one of the lowest limits for any contaminant, because there is no safe level of lead exposure. Even small amounts can affect health, especially for children, where it can impact learning and development.
So what do our community’s results show?
The graphs tell a reassuring story. Both Southside and Northside have stayed well below the MAC for more than a decade. While there are a few very small bumps in the data, these are still far beneath the guideline. Importantly, there are no signs of systemic lead issues in our water systems. What this shows is that our treatment, distribution, and monitoring are working — keeping lead at levels where it does not pose a concern.
The story of lead is really a story of prevention. Because lead typically comes from plumbing or fixtures rather than the water source, the best protection is strong monitoring, safe materials, and quick response if issues arise. Our community’s long record of results shows that these protections are in place and effective.
In short: lead is not something we want in water, and the good news is that in our systems, it isn’t a problem. The graphs remind us of this — that through care and vigilance, our community water remains safe from one of the most well-known hazards in drinking water history.
The Story of Iron in Our Water
Iron is one of the most common elements on Earth — it makes up a large part of our soil and rocks, and even gives blood its red color. Because it is so abundant, small amounts of iron often show up in drinking water. Unlike arsenic or lead, iron in water is not considered a health concern at the levels we typically see. Instead, it’s about how water looks, smells, and tastes.
Health Canada has set an Aesthetic Objective (AO) of 0.3 mg/L for iron. This is not a safety limit — it’s a level chosen to keep water clear, fresh-tasting, and free from reddish stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry.
So what do our results show?
The graphs tell a reassuring story: both Southside and Northside water systems are well below the 0.3 mg/L objective. While the Northside shows more ups and downs over time compared to the Southside, neither system comes close to the guideline. The occasional small peaks are harmless and often linked to changes in the distribution system — for example, pipe flushing, seasonal shifts, or natural deposits breaking loose.
Interesting Facts about Iron in Water
Iron is essential to human life — we get it mainly from food, not water. It carries oxygen in our blood and keeps us energized.
What It Means for Us?
Iron is part of the natural story of water, but in our case, it’s well controlled and far below the guideline. This means our water remains clear, pleasant to use, and safe to drink — with no risk of iron being a health concern.
The Story of Aluminum in Our Water
Aluminum is the third most common element in the Earth’s crust. It’s all around us — in soil, rocks, plants, and even food. Most of the time, aluminum in drinking water doesn’t come directly from nature but from treatment processes: many water systems use aluminum-based compounds to help remove particles and keep water clear.
Health Canada has set an Operational Guideline (OG) of 0.1 mg/L for aluminum. Unlike a Maximum Acceptable Concentration, this isn’t about health risks — it’s about ensuring water treatment systems work properly and the water looks, tastes, and feels right.
So what do our results show?
Looking at the graphs for both Southside and Northside, aluminum levels are almost always well below the guideline. The Southside graph shows one short spike around 2023 that briefly went above the 0.1 mg/L line — likely linked to a temporary treatment process issue — but it was quickly corrected, and results returned to safe, stable levels. The Northside results have been even steadier, with only small variations far below the guideline.
The Story of pH in Our Water
Every drop of water has a “personality,” and one of the best ways to measure it is with pH — a scale of how acidic or alkaline the water is. You might remember from science class:
pH 7 = neutral (pure water).
Below 7 is acidic.
Above 7 is alkaline (basic).
Health Canada has set an Aesthetic Objective (AO) for pH between 7.0 and 10.5. This range isn’t about direct health concerns — it’s about making sure water is stable, doesn’t corrode pipes, doesn’t cause scaling, and is pleasant to drink.
So what do our results show?
Looking at the graphs, both the Southside and Northside water systems have consistently stayed within the safe pH range. The Southside sits steadily between 8.0 and 8.5, while the Northside is similar, with some small dips and rises but always comfortably inside the guideline. This shows that our water is well-balanced — not acidic enough to corrode plumbing, and not alkaline enough to cause problems.
Interesting Facts about pH in Water
Fish and aquatic life are very sensitive to pH changes — too far outside the neutral range can harm ecosystems. Our treated drinking water is controlled so it’s safe both for people and for pipes.
Slightly alkaline water (like ours) actually helps protect pipes from corrosion, which means fewer metals like lead or copper can leach into the system.
What It Means for Us
The pH story is one of balance and stability. For over a decade, our community’s water has stayed right where it should — within the range that protects health, infrastructure, and taste. It’s a quiet but important sign that our water systems are doing their job well.
The Story of Alkalinity in Our Water
If pH tells us the “balance” of water, alkalinity tells us its strength and stability. You can think of alkalinity as water’s natural “shock absorber” — it resists sudden swings in acidity or alkalinity. This buffering power is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), and it plays a quiet but critical role in keeping our water reliable.
Unlike arsenic or lead, alkalinity is not a health concern. That’s why Health Canada hasn’t set a MAC (Maximum Acceptable Concentration) for it. Instead, alkalinity is treated as an operational guideline: a tool for water operators to make sure the system runs smoothly. Too little alkalinity, and water can turn corrosive, eating away at pipes and leaching metals like lead or copper. Too much, and it can leave scale deposits on fixtures and equipment. But the alkalinity itself is not harmful — it’s about what it prevents or allows in the system.
The Story of Total Coliforms in Our Water
When it comes to safe drinking water, nothing is watched more closely than microbiological indicators. One of the most important is total coliforms — a group of naturally occurring bacteria found in soil, vegetation, and surface water.
Coliforms themselves are usually not harmful, but they are an early warning sign. If coliforms are present, it means that something has allowed outside material into the system — and that could mean a pathway for more dangerous microbes, like E. coli. That’s why total coliforms are used around the world as a quick test of water safety.
Health Canada’s guideline is simple: no coliforms should be detected in treated drinking water samples. Even a single positive test requires immediate investigation.
The Story of E. coli in Our Water
When people think about safe drinking water, the first concern is always bacteria. And the most important test of all is for E. coli, a type of fecal coliform. Unlike total coliforms (which can come from soil or vegetation), E. coli is a direct indicator of fecal contamination. Its presence means one thing: untreated or contaminated water has entered the system.
That’s why Health Canada’s rule is absolute: zero E. coli in treated drinking water. Even a single detection triggers an immediate “Do Not Consume” advisory.
The Story of Turbidity in Our Water
When we think of clean water, we imagine crystal-clear streams and lakes. But in reality, natural water always carries tiny particles — clay, silt, organic matter, even microscopic organisms. The measure of how “cloudy” water is is called turbidity, expressed in NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units).
Turbidity matters because those tiny particles can hide harmful microbes like bacteria, viruses, or parasites. If turbidity is too high, disinfectants like chlorine can’t work as effectively. That’s why Health Canada has set an Operational Guideline (OG) of 1.0 NTU. This isn’t a health limit on its own, but a performance standard — keeping turbidity low ensures treatment is doing its job.
What Our Results Show
Looking at the graphs:
Northside: Except for one very large spike around 2010, turbidity has consistently stayed below the 1.0 NTU guideline. That early spike reflects older system challenges, but the years since show stable, clear water.
Southside: The results show more variation, especially in recent years, with a few peaks approaching or just above 1.0 NTU. These likely came during seasonal changes, heavy rainfall, or after maintenance activities. Even then, they were short-lived, and operators responded quickly to bring values back down.
Let’s hear what is in the water
Water Quality Update – Southside Well #2
As part of our ongoing work to prepare Well #2 on the Southside to begin supplying water to the Southside community, we recently carried out a microbiological water quality test. This is an important step before we connect the well to the distribution system, ensuring the water is safe and reliable for everyone.
The test looked for two key indicators:
- Total Coliform – these bacteria are found in soil and the environment. If detected in water, they act as a warning that something unwanted may be getting in.
- E. coli – this bacteria comes from human or animal waste. If found in water, it shows there is contamination and the water would not be safe to drink.
The good news:
The results from the September 22, 2025 test showed no coliform and no E. coli in the water from Well #2. In other words, the sample was completely clean and met Canadian drinking water standards.
This is a positive step forward in bringing Well #2 into service for the Southside. We will continue with the necessary checks and preparations so that the community can have safe, reliable access to water.
The Story of Hardness in Our Water
When people talk about “hard water” or “soft water,” they’re talking about hardness – the amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water. These are natural minerals that water picks up as it flows through soil and rock.
Hardness isn’t a health risk. In fact, calcium and magnesium are important nutrients. But hardness affects how water feels, tastes, and behaves:
Hard water can leave scale in kettles, pipes, or hot water heaters.
It makes soap less effective, sometimes leaving a “film” on skin or dishes.
Softer water feels smoother and can be easier on appliances.
That’s why Health Canada hasn’t set a MAC (Maximum Acceptable Concentration) for hardness. Instead, it’s considered an aesthetic parameter.
What Our Results Show
Looking at the graphs for Northside and Southside:
In earlier years, hardness was often in the 200–300 mg/L range — definitely in the “very hard” category. This would have been noticeable in daily life, with more scaling in kettles and plumbing.
Around 2018–2020, hardness dropped sharply, even approaching very low levels at times, reflecting big changes in treatment or water sourcing.
More recently, both sides have stabilized between 90–150 mg/L, which falls into the moderately hard to hard range. This is a good balance: not so hard as to cause major scaling, but not so soft that water feels flat.
The Story of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Our Water
Every glass of water holds more than just H₂O. Along the way, water dissolves tiny amounts of minerals and salts from the rocks and soils it passes through. These natural ingredients are measured together as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
TDS includes things like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium — the same minerals you find in food or supplements. In fact, a moderate level of TDS is what gives water its “taste.” Water with almost no TDS can taste flat, while very high TDS can make water salty or bitter.
Health Canada sets an Aesthetic Objective (AO) of 500 mg/L for TDS. This is not a health limit — it’s about taste and consumer acceptability. Water above 500 mg/L may start to taste unpleasant or leave deposits, but it isn’t a direct health risk.
The Story of Manganese in Our Water
Water has always been at the heart of community life. It nourishes us, sustains our traditions, and connects every home. But water also carries with it the natural world — and one of those companions is manganese, a mineral that comes from the rocks and soils beneath our feet.
Manganese itself is not a villain. In fact, our bodies actually need tiny amounts of it every day to stay healthy. We usually get it from foods like nuts, beans, or leafy greens. But like many things in life, balance is important. Too much manganese in drinking water, especially over many years, can begin to affect health — particularly in infants and children, where it may influence learning and memory. Even before that, excess manganese makes itself known through water that tastes metallic or leaves dark stains on sinks, clothes, and fixtures.
Health Canada set two important markers in 2019:
MAC (Maximum Acceptable Concentration) – 0.12 mg/L: the strict safety line.
AO (Aesthetic Objective) – 0.02 mg/L: the level that keeps water tasting and looking clean.
Our community’s journey tells a story of progress. In 2019, new systems brought manganese levels down quickly, but by 2020–2021, the results were less consistent and sometimes above the health guideline. After upgrades in late 2021, the graphs began to shift — the spikes disappeared, and manganese levels stabilized. Since then, aside from one quick Southside spike in 2023 that was fixed immediately, both systems have stayed safely within Health Canada’s limits.
Sometimes, though, you might still see discoloration at home. Don’t worry — this can happen when old deposits of manganese in the pipes get stirred up, often after hydrant flushing, water maintenance, or even a sudden change in temperature. The solution is simple: let your tap run for a few minutes and the water will clear.
So what do the graphs really tell us?
They tell the story of a community that acted, adapted, and improved. Today, our water is safe, stable, and carefully monitored — a success story we can all be proud of.
The Story of Arsenic in Our Water
Arsenic has always carried a certain mystery. Known in history books as a poison, it is actually a naturally occurring element found in rocks and soils, just like manganese. When water moves through the ground, small amounts of arsenic can dissolve and end up in our drinking water.
At very low levels, arsenic in water doesn’t cause immediate harm. But the concern is long-term exposure. Over many years, drinking water with too much arsenic has been linked to health problems such as skin changes, cardiovascular issues, and even certain cancers. Because of these risks, Health Canada has set a strict Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) of 0.01 mg/L.
So, what do our community’s results tell us?
The story is reassuring. Both the Southside and Northside water systems have consistently tested well below the MAC. While you may notice small fluctuations in the graphs, the values remain comfortably within safe limits. Even during times when water systems elsewhere in Canada or the world face arsenic concerns, our monitoring shows that our community’s water remains safe to drink.
The important message is this: arsenic is something we watch carefully, but it is not something to fear in our water today. The graphs are a reminder that careful monitoring and treatment protect our health, and that the water flowing into our homes is safe for everyday use.
In short, arsenic tells us a story about vigilance. Nature puts it in the ground, science tells us the limits, and our community ensures the water stays well below them. That’s why we can confidently say our water is safe.
The Story of Lead in Our Water
Lead is not a mineral we look for in nature’s water. Instead, it’s a metal that makes its way into drinking water mostly through human-made materials — old pipes, plumbing solder, or fixtures that once used lead. Because of this, the story of lead in water is not just about geology, but about the history of how we built our homes and water systems.
Health Canada takes lead extremely seriously. The Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) for lead is set at 0.005 mg/L, one of the lowest limits for any contaminant, because there is no safe level of lead exposure. Even small amounts can affect health, especially for children, where it can impact learning and development.
So what do our community’s results show?
The graphs tell a reassuring story. Both Southside and Northside have stayed well below the MAC for more than a decade. While there are a few very small bumps in the data, these are still far beneath the guideline. Importantly, there are no signs of systemic lead issues in our water systems. What this shows is that our treatment, distribution, and monitoring are working — keeping lead at levels where it does not pose a concern.
The story of lead is really a story of prevention. Because lead typically comes from plumbing or fixtures rather than the water source, the best protection is strong monitoring, safe materials, and quick response if issues arise. Our community’s long record of results shows that these protections are in place and effective.
In short: lead is not something we want in water, and the good news is that in our systems, it isn’t a problem. The graphs remind us of this — that through care and vigilance, our community water remains safe from one of the most well-known hazards in drinking water history.
The Story of Iron in Our Water
Iron is one of the most common elements on Earth — it makes up a large part of our soil and rocks, and even gives blood its red color. Because it is so abundant, small amounts of iron often show up in drinking water. Unlike arsenic or lead, iron in water is not considered a health concern at the levels we typically see. Instead, it’s about how water looks, smells, and tastes.
Health Canada has set an Aesthetic Objective (AO) of 0.3 mg/L for iron. This is not a safety limit — it’s a level chosen to keep water clear, fresh-tasting, and free from reddish stains on sinks, tubs, and laundry.
So what do our results show?
The graphs tell a reassuring story: both Southside and Northside water systems are well below the 0.3 mg/L objective. While the Northside shows more ups and downs over time compared to the Southside, neither system comes close to the guideline. The occasional small peaks are harmless and often linked to changes in the distribution system — for example, pipe flushing, seasonal shifts, or natural deposits breaking loose.
Interesting Facts about Iron in Water
Iron is essential to human life — we get it mainly from food, not water. It carries oxygen in our blood and keeps us energized.
What It Means for Us?
Iron is part of the natural story of water, but in our case, it’s well controlled and far below the guideline. This means our water remains clear, pleasant to use, and safe to drink — with no risk of iron being a health concern.
The Story of Aluminum in Our Water
Aluminum is the third most common element in the Earth’s crust. It’s all around us — in soil, rocks, plants, and even food. Most of the time, aluminum in drinking water doesn’t come directly from nature but from treatment processes: many water systems use aluminum-based compounds to help remove particles and keep water clear.
Health Canada has set an Operational Guideline (OG) of 0.1 mg/L for aluminum. Unlike a Maximum Acceptable Concentration, this isn’t about health risks — it’s about ensuring water treatment systems work properly and the water looks, tastes, and feels right.
So what do our results show?
Looking at the graphs for both Southside and Northside, aluminum levels are almost always well below the guideline. The Southside graph shows one short spike around 2023 that briefly went above the 0.1 mg/L line — likely linked to a temporary treatment process issue — but it was quickly corrected, and results returned to safe, stable levels. The Northside results have been even steadier, with only small variations far below the guideline.
The Story of pH in Our Water
Every drop of water has a “personality,” and one of the best ways to measure it is with pH — a scale of how acidic or alkaline the water is. You might remember from science class:
pH 7 = neutral (pure water).
Below 7 is acidic.
Above 7 is alkaline (basic).
Health Canada has set an Aesthetic Objective (AO) for pH between 7.0 and 10.5. This range isn’t about direct health concerns — it’s about making sure water is stable, doesn’t corrode pipes, doesn’t cause scaling, and is pleasant to drink.
So what do our results show?
Looking at the graphs, both the Southside and Northside water systems have consistently stayed within the safe pH range. The Southside sits steadily between 8.0 and 8.5, while the Northside is similar, with some small dips and rises but always comfortably inside the guideline. This shows that our water is well-balanced — not acidic enough to corrode plumbing, and not alkaline enough to cause problems.
Interesting Facts about pH in Water
Fish and aquatic life are very sensitive to pH changes — too far outside the neutral range can harm ecosystems. Our treated drinking water is controlled so it’s safe both for people and for pipes.
Slightly alkaline water (like ours) actually helps protect pipes from corrosion, which means fewer metals like lead or copper can leach into the system.
What It Means for Us
The pH story is one of balance and stability. For over a decade, our community’s water has stayed right where it should — within the range that protects health, infrastructure, and taste. It’s a quiet but important sign that our water systems are doing their job well.
The Story of Alkalinity in Our Water
If pH tells us the “balance” of water, alkalinity tells us its strength and stability. You can think of alkalinity as water’s natural “shock absorber” — it resists sudden swings in acidity or alkalinity. This buffering power is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), and it plays a quiet but critical role in keeping our water reliable.
Unlike arsenic or lead, alkalinity is not a health concern. That’s why Health Canada hasn’t set a MAC (Maximum Acceptable Concentration) for it. Instead, alkalinity is treated as an operational guideline: a tool for water operators to make sure the system runs smoothly. Too little alkalinity, and water can turn corrosive, eating away at pipes and leaching metals like lead or copper. Too much, and it can leave scale deposits on fixtures and equipment. But the alkalinity itself is not harmful — it’s about what it prevents or allows in the system.
The Story of Total Coliforms in Our Water
When it comes to safe drinking water, nothing is watched more closely than microbiological indicators. One of the most important is total coliforms — a group of naturally occurring bacteria found in soil, vegetation, and surface water.
Coliforms themselves are usually not harmful, but they are an early warning sign. If coliforms are present, it means that something has allowed outside material into the system — and that could mean a pathway for more dangerous microbes, like E. coli. That’s why total coliforms are used around the world as a quick test of water safety.
Health Canada’s guideline is simple: no coliforms should be detected in treated drinking water samples. Even a single positive test requires immediate investigation.
The Story of E. coli in Our Water
When people think about safe drinking water, the first concern is always bacteria. And the most important test of all is for E. coli, a type of fecal coliform. Unlike total coliforms (which can come from soil or vegetation), E. coli is a direct indicator of fecal contamination. Its presence means one thing: untreated or contaminated water has entered the system.
That’s why Health Canada’s rule is absolute: zero E. coli in treated drinking water. Even a single detection triggers an immediate “Do Not Consume” advisory.
The Story of Turbidity in Our Water
When we think of clean water, we imagine crystal-clear streams and lakes. But in reality, natural water always carries tiny particles — clay, silt, organic matter, even microscopic organisms. The measure of how “cloudy” water is is called turbidity, expressed in NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units).
Turbidity matters because those tiny particles can hide harmful microbes like bacteria, viruses, or parasites. If turbidity is too high, disinfectants like chlorine can’t work as effectively. That’s why Health Canada has set an Operational Guideline (OG) of 1.0 NTU. This isn’t a health limit on its own, but a performance standard — keeping turbidity low ensures treatment is doing its job.
What Our Results Show
Looking at the graphs:
Northside: Except for one very large spike around 2010, turbidity has consistently stayed below the 1.0 NTU guideline. That early spike reflects older system challenges, but the years since show stable, clear water.
Southside: The results show more variation, especially in recent years, with a few peaks approaching or just above 1.0 NTU. These likely came during seasonal changes, heavy rainfall, or after maintenance activities. Even then, they were short-lived, and operators responded quickly to bring values back down.
Water System Update – Facility Classification
We are pleased to share that both the Northside and Southside Water Treatment Facilities have now been officially classified as Class II Facilities under the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP).
What does this mean?
EOCP (Environmental Operators Certification Program): The regulatory body in BC and Yukon that sets standards for water and wastewater facilities, and certifies the operators who run them.
Facility Classification: Water systems are assigned a level (I–IV) based on their complexity. Both our facilities are now recognized as Class II, reflecting the technology and operational requirements in place.
Operator Certification: To run a Class II system, operators must hold appropriate certification. This ensures our community’s water is managed by qualified and trained professionals.
Why this matters?
Confirms that our water systems are being run to recognized provincial standards.
Strengthens compliance and funding opportunities.
Provides assurance that our water is safe to drink and use.
