Drinking-Water Sanitary Surveys
Service: Sanitary Surveys
Industry: Government
Project Manager:
Ted Bailey
Contact: Ted@aursi.ca
Aureus Solutions was requested by the client to conduct drinking water sanitary surveys for seventeen (17) of their water systems. A sanitary survey is a comprehensive review of a drinking water system from source to tap. The purpose of the survey is to identify barriers, obstacles, and deficiencies that limit the system’s performance in providing safe drinking water to its customers. It includes a review of raw water quality, treatment, infrastructure, equipment, operations, and maintenance records.
The systems included in the survey varied in complexity, including complex surface water treatment systems, groundwater systems, and municipally supplied distribution systems.
Client Challenges:
Sanitary surveys must be conducted periodically under the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality
Sanitary surveys can be challenging to complete using internal resources as they cover a variety of areas, including design, operations, compliance, maintenance, and management.
The client’s water systems have limited regulatory oversight, and therefore are vulnerable to management challenges that can lead to water quality issues
Aureus’ Solution:
Aureus worked with the client to develop site-specific approaches based on the complexity of the systems, the availability and experience of on-site resources, and the quality of background information.
Each survey included initial organization and buy-in with the site and regional stakeholders, a review of historical information, a detailed site visit including interviews and system walkthrough, as well as follow-up interviews. The approach used was to create maximum value while limiting the time investment at the site level.
A consistent and customizable sanitary survey tool was used, which was based on client requirements, similar US EPA tools, CCME guidelines, Canada Labour Code elements, National Plumbing Code elements, Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines, Providing Safe Drinking Water in Areas of Federal Jurisdiction Version 2, as well as best practices from provincial and municipal regulations and guidance.
The Outcome:
Client and sites were provided with an experienced, independent review which helped identify barriers or obstacles in the areas of management, design, maintenance, and operations
Survey results identified and prioritized findings based on drinking water quality/ client risks
Survey helped justify needed resource support (leverage) – the squeaky wheel
Survey promoted awareness and communication between facilities staff and other stakeholders (local, regional, and national)
Contact our team and learn more about Aureus’ operator network and water treatment support.
