Region of Peel Water Testing
Staff have informed Council that the drinking water in the Region of Peel is
safe to drink. Following the tragic occurrences in Walkerton, Council
asked staff to confirm the testing of water in Peel.
Peel's system is fully automated which allows for continuous
monitoring. In the event of any issue, certified inspectors can be
dispatched 24 hours a day 7 days a week. All Peel water supplies are also chlorinated
to kill bacteria, including e-coli. The chlorination system is monitored
24 hours a day. In the event of an equipment malfunction, an alarm is
raised.
Should any chlorination system fail, backup equipment is available. Chlorine
residual is monitored regularly and samples taken. The required level is
.2mg/litre. If levels are shown to be below the required amount, the
watermains are flushed to change over the water and increase chlorine
levels.
In 1999, Peel tested 7,316 samples of water for bacteria. This shows
the presence of any bacteria in the water. In addition, we do routine
"presence/absence" tests which requires allowing bacteria to breed in
a Lactose Broth. This is a more inclusive testing. If bacteria are
found, a further test called a Membrane Filtration test is done. Positive
tests results are immediately sent to the Ministry of the Environment and they
in turn take the necessary action. Peel staff however also contact the
Health Department if any positive results are found. In 1999, out of the
7,316 samples, none were found to contain bacteria!
Specific steps are taken if bacteria is found in the water supply as mandated
by the MOE. Peel staff are confident that the systems in place are able to
determine that the Peel water supply continues to be safe.
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