Drinking Water Certification

The supply of any usable, clean water for drinking, washing, cleaning and showering will require a certified operator as of January 1, 2006.

The British Columbia government has new drinking water protection regulations that affect the supply of "drinking water". This includes industrial plants, small community systems, provincial parks, and working camps (logging, mining, Oil & Gas, etc.) that supply water for any form of personal use.

"Drinking" water use broadly includes water provided for washing, showering, kitchens, staff rooms and drinking.  Effective January 1, 2005 operator certifications were required for Level 1 and 2 water supply systems (large systems such as municipal water systems). 

By January 1, 2006 these certification requirements will apply to water supply systems classified as Level 3, or serve fewer than 500 people.  This means that all water suppliers must comply with the Act and Regulation.

Under the Act, the operator of the water supply system is responsible for meeting the requirements of the Act.  Suppliers are required to obtain an operating permit which is dependent upon the following being in place:
a) Fully certified water supply operator
b) Water treatment system and/or well head flood protection
c) Water quality monitoring and analysis plan
d) Emergency response and contingency plan
e) Reporting and notification processes
f)  Maintenance plan

At this time Keystone Environmental is working with 20 industrial plants to determine the management systems, permitting and operator certification requirements to meet these regulations.  Speak with Keystone today to assist in determining your requirements.  For more information contact Nelson Lee, Senior Project Manager, or Bill Donald, President, Keystone Environmental Ltd. 604-430-0671.  nlee@keystoneenviro.com

 NOTE:  On November 30, 2005 Keystone Environmental will host a breakfast session with teleconference to provide an insight on the salient issues of the Drinking Water Regulation.  Please call Nelson Lee at 604-430-0671