WATERLOO REGION ANNUAL DRINKING WATER REPORTS - MIDDLETON WELLFIELD CAMBRIDGE

The Middleton wellfield is a perfect example of polluting industry passing their costs onto the taxpayers. In 2013 there was a sixteen million dollar upgrade to the Treatment system with the introduction of AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process). This was primarily to reduce the concentrations of TCE (trichloroethylene) in the water. Last year there was $200,000 spent on maintenance plus a new liner in well G15 which helps supply the Middleton Wellfield. Now liners have been used in other Cambridge wells for the purpose of isolating contaminated zones in Bedrock Aquifers and or allowing cleaner zones to supply the particular well. This could be the cause of the new liner in well G15 although I am not certain.

This year's Annual Report covering 2014 shows ongoing TCE concentrations. They vary between 1.2 and 1.9 parts per billion throughout the year. The water was tested weekly the first half of the year and then reduced to monthly for the last half. This is significantly reduced from the year before when it was consistently tested for TCE on a weekly basis throughout the year. During 2013 the concentrations varied from .7 ppb to 2.0 ppb except for one reading of 3.0 ppb. Regardless I am surprised that the AOP isn't reducing TCE concentraions lower than they are. Keep in mind the Canadian standard for TCE is 5.0 ppb. but some U.S. jurisdictions are between 2.0 and 3.0 ppb.

Sodium levels are very high at 141 mg/l. While there is no hard standard, anything over 20 mg/l is cause for concern if you have heart problems. Turbidity and chlorine levels are also both high. This year the chlorine levels seem to be just below the standard of 3.0 mg/litre whereas last year they were not. The Turbidity or murkiness/cloudiness numbers given are above the standard of 1.0 NTU. Regardless the Region never seem to show them as Adverse Incidents. I have asked them why a year ago without a satisfactory explanation.

Neither THMs (trihalomethanes) nor chloramine concentrations are indicated. The latter is not surprising as the Middleton System uses UV disinfection combined with sodium hypochlorite to kill bacteria rather than the usual sodium hypochlorite combined with ammonium sulphate which produces chloramines. Possibly the use of UV light also reduces the formation of THMs but it would be appropriate to give us some readings to confirm that.

Last but not least are the bacteria levels in the raw water. They are a concern. Last year 1,261 raw water samples produced 129 detections of Total Coliforms and 12 detections of E.Coli (Fecal). This year while detections of Total Coliforms were reduced to 25 and E.Coli (Fecal) to 6, that was based upon only 273 samples. I'm not sure what the region are doing unless they are trying to save money after their huge expenses by reducing testing. This is false economy. Interestingly while I am sure the Region will whine about the closeness of the Grand River producing high bacteria levels, they have advised me in writing that the West Montrose wells beside the Grand River are the only GUDI wells in the Region. GUDI stands for Groundwater Under the Direct Influence of surface water. Therefore perhaps like West Montrose there are nearby septic systems to the Middleton Wellfield. If not then the bacteria are coming from the river. It's one or the other or both.

I believe that this wellfield requires the most costly water treatment in the Region. This says a lot because their is strong competition in both Kitchener and Waterloo for that dishonour.