OVERCOMING CHALLENGES - Ensuring Canadians have Reliable Access to Safe Drinking Water - Water Canada
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MARCH/APRIL 2021
OVERCOMING
CHALLENGES
Ensuring Canadians have Reliable
Access to Safe Drinking Water
Preventing
Legionnaires’ Disease
Award Winning
Water Steward
Flushability
Specification
MARCH/APRIL 2021
Mark your calendars!
CANADIAN WATER SUMMIT
VOLUME 21 NUMBER 2
JUNE 8 -10, 2021 • OTTAWA
WASTEWATER ASSET MANAGEMENT
8 Flushability 22 Waiting on a Crisis
Details about the new publicly Proactive measures are
available specification for needed for addressing
flushability that’s been released water infrastructure assets.
by wastewater professionals. GEOFF BRITNELL
8 BY
BY ROBERT HALLER
AND BARRY ORR GROUNDBREAKERS
DRINKING WATER 24 Award Winning
Water Steward
10 Preventing City of Vancouver’s Melina
Legionnaires’ Disease Scholefield helps advance
A new certification aims to the implementation of green
prevent Legionnaires’ Disease. infrastructure in the city.
BY JENNI GREEN BY SIMRAN CHATTHA
12
AND KALPNA SOLANKI
12 Sharing Expertise NATURAL RESOURCES
A new platform helps operators
28 Watershed Management
share information and lessons
Understanding how a watershed
learned to mitigate water plant failures.
agency in Ontario is helping
BY BITA MALEKIAN
manage natural resources.
14 Health Concerns BY CHITRA GOWDA
Understanding the health risks AND BARBARA VEALE
asbestos cement water pipes pose
20
to the health of Canadians.
DEPARTMENTS
BY JULIAN BRANCH
5 Editor’s Note
BLUE ECONOMY SIMRAN CHATTHA reflects
on one year since the start of
16 Defining “Blue Economy” Canada’s first wave of the
Water Canada explores why a COVID-19 pandemic.
wider definition of the term
6 Front
“blue economy” is warranted.
Ice Cover of Northern Lakes,
BY SIMRAN CHATTHA
Removing Chemotherapy Drugs
24 from Water Bodies.
STORMWATER 30 People & Events
Appointments, announcements,
20 Spring Flooding
and event reports.
A new report outlines actions
that can be taken to reduce 34 H2Opinion
the impacts of spring flooding. Bi-national Opportunities.
BY NATALIA MOUDRAK BY ANDREW MACKLIN
28
MARCH /APRIL 2021 3
EDITOR’S NOTE
Reflection on
MARCH/APRIL 2021
VOLUME 21 NUMBER 2
INTERIM EDITOR
Simran Chattha
the Past Year
BY SIMRAN CHATTHA
PRESIDENT
Todd Latham
PUBLISHER
AS I TOOK SOME TIME to reflect on completely new, the COVID-19
Nick Krukowski the past year, I thought about what pandemic accelerated the adoption of
ART DIRECTOR AND SENIOR DESIGNER has come to the forefront since the some of these technologies.
Donna Endacott start of Canada’s first wave of the Something else that is noticeable
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER COVID-19 pandemic. is the continued need for public
Shannon Clark One issue that came to the forefront education on issues like ‘flushable’
DIGITAL EDITOR was the general support for nature- wipes. In March 2020, there was an
Connie Vitello
based solutions. In 2020, many increase in the amount of ‘flushable’
EVENT MANAGER
organizations called for governments products that were being flushed
Natasha Mawji
to include nature-based solutions down toilets. This was in response to
CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
Julian Branch, Geoff Britnell,
in their economic recovery plans. the fact that stores ran out of toilet
Chitra Gowda, Jenni Green, At the same time, the organizations paper and individuals started buying
Robert Haller, Bita Malekian, highlighted the multiple benefits alternative products, which were then
Natalia Moudrak, Barry Orr,
Kalpna Solanki, Barbara Veale
(e.g., reducing flood risk, increase being flushed down toilets.
in property values, etc.) provided Companies producing wipes are still
ADVERTISING
Nick Krukowski nick@actualmedia.ca by these solutions. While many continuing to push the message that
ADVISORS
environmental organizations have wipes are safe for flushing, despite
Nick Reid, James Sbrolla understood the benefits of nature- the negative impacts of ‘flushable’
WATER AMBASSADOR based solutions for a number of years, wipes on municipal sewer systems.
Lee Scarlett the conversations about them became Thankfully, there are organizations
more mainstream in 2020. that are leading the way on providing
Since the first wave of the accurate information. For example,
pandemic, it appears that utilities a publicly available specification was
have become more comfortable released by the International Water
with adopting digital technologies. Service Flushability Group (IWSFG)
The Smart Water Networks (SWAN) in December 2020. More information
Forum surveyed employees from 50 about this is available in the article
utilities in 14 countries and it found written by Robert Haller and Barry
that “utilities’ overall comfort level Orr for this edition of the magazine.
Water Canada is published six
with digital technology has increased I expect that these topics will
times a year by Actual Media Inc. by a full point on a 5-point scale as a continue to impact the Canadian
result of the pandemic.” water industry beyond the COVID-19
ACTUAL MEDIA INC. The SWAN Forum also noted pandemic. In the meantime, our
150 Eglinton Ave. E, #806, Toronto, ON, Canada M4P 1E8 that since more employees have team at Water Canada will continue
Phone: 416-444-5842
been working from home, they have to monitor how conversations about
Subscription/customer services: become more reliant on cloud-based these topics continue to evolve. WC
416-444-5842 ext. 7
solutions, such as teleconferencing
Water Canada subscriptions are available
and remote monitoring, to connect
for $39.95/year or $64.95/two years.
©
2021 Actual Media Inc. All rights reserved.
with co-workers, customers, and Simran Chattha is the interim editor
The contents of this publication may not be critical infrastructure. While the of Water Canada.
reproduced by any means in whole or in part,
without prior written consent from the publisher.
topic of digital technologies is not simran@actualmedia.ca
Printed in Canada.
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ISSN 1715-670X
MARCH /APRIL 2021 5
FEATURE CONTRIBUTORS FRONT
ROBERT HALLER
Robert is the executive director
of the Canadian Water and
Wastewater Association.
PG. 8
BARRY ORR
Barry is the spokesperson for
the Municipal Enforcement
Sewer Use Group.
PG. 8
BITA MALEKIAN
Bita is the founder of
Water Movement.
PG. 20
Northern Lakes at
NATALIA MOUDRAK
Natalia is the director of climate
resilience at the Intact Centre
Risk of Losing Ice Cover
on Climate Adaptation.
PG. 20
Permanently: Research
ABOUT THE COVER
There are some challenges
associated with providing reliable YORK UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS would increase, and water levels could
access to safe drinking water, even have found that close to 5,700 lakes decline,” added Sharma. “We would lose
in a country like Canada. in the Northern Hemisphere may freshwater, which we need for drinking
At the same time, work is permanently lose ice cover this century. and everyday activities. Ice cover is
being done to overcome those Those lakes include large bays extremely important both ecologically
in some of the deepest of the Great and socio-economically.”
challenges. Read more on page 12.
Lakes, such as Lake Superior and Lake The researchers, including
Michigan, which could permanently Postdoctoral Fellows Kevin Blagrave
become ice free by 2055 if nothing is and Alessandro Filazzola, looked
Coming up in the next issue:
done to curb greenhouse gas emissions at 51,000 lakes in the Northern
MAY/JUNE or by 2085 with moderate changes. Hemisphere to forecast whether those
Many of these lakes that are lakes would become ice-free using
WATER
predicted to stop freezing over are near annual winter temperature projections
large human populations and are an from 2020 to 2098 with 12 climate
LEADERSHIP important source of drinking water. A
loss of ice could affect the quantity and
change scenarios.
“With increased greenhouse gas
quality of the water. emissions, we expect greater increases
“We need ice on lakes to curtail and in winter air temperatures, which are
Phosphorus Removal minimize evaporation rates in the expected to increase much more than
from Wastewater
winter,” said Sapna Sharma, associate summer temperatures in the Northern
Training Indigenous Operators professor in the Faculty of Science at Hemisphere,” said Filazzola. “It’s this
York University and lead researcher warming of a couple of degrees, as a result
COVID-19—One Year Later of the study. of carbon emissions, that will cause the
“Without ice cover, evaporation rates loss of lake ice into the future.” WC
PLUS: Columns, news and insights,
coverage on the industry’s biggest events,
people on the move, and more.
AD BOOKING DEADLINE: MATERIAL DEADLINE: DISTRIBUTION DATE:
Share your story about the Email Interim Editor
APRIL 9 APRIL 16 APRIL 30
Canadian water industry Simran Chattha at
To reach Water Canada’s influential readers
in print, contact Nick Krukowski at with Water Canada! simran@actualmedia.ca
416-444-5842 ext.0101 or nick@actualmedia.ca
6 MARCH /APRIL 2021
Credit: UBC
FRONT
Online at
WATERCANADA.NET
NEWS: Yukon Releases New
Guidelines for Quartz Mining.
bit.ly/QuartzMining
New Tool Removes
Chemotherapy Drugs from
Water Bodies: Researchers
PHARMACEUTICALS, like a chemotherapy Arjmand, who is also a Canada NEWS: Barrie, Ontario Joins Provincial
drug called methotrexate, can be highly Research Chair in Advanced Materials COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance
effective for patients. However, these and Polymer Engineering. Initiative. bit.ly/BarrieWastewater
pharmaceuticals are finding their way “We work on modifying the structure
into water bodies with wide-ranging of adsorbent nanomaterials to
negative implications for public health control their ability to attract or repel
and the environment. chemicals,” said Arjmand.
“Methotrexate is an anti- Arjmand’s team of researchers was
cancer drug used at a high dose looking at methods to remove the anti-
in chemotherapy to treat cancer, cancer drugs from water supplies.
leukemia, psoriasis, rheumatoid While doing this, the team designed a
arthritis, and other inflammatory porous nanomaterial, called a metal-
diseases,” said Mohammad Arjmand, organic framework (MOF), that is
an assistant professor of mechanical capable of adsorbing these pollutants NEWS: Canada Partners with Lennox
engineering at UBC Okanagan. from water. Island First Nation to Enhance Marine
“However, the drug is not absorbed Adsorption takes place when the Safety http. bit.ly/MarineSafety
by the body and ends up in water molecules of a chemical adhere to
channels from hospital waste, the surface of a solid substance,
sewage, and surface waters.” according to Arjmand. In this case,
Removing these types of the chemotherapy drug sticks to the
contaminants from wastewater can surface of the adsorbent, which is
be costly and complicated explained Arjmand’s MOF. WC
Get your daily dose of Canadian water news
by visiting watercanada.net or by following us NEWS: Engineering Team Selected
for First Stage of Lake Diefenbaker
on Twitter @CanadianWater Irrigation Expansion Project.
bit.ly/StageOneEngineeringTeam
MARCH /APRIL 2021 7
WASTEWATER
Photos: City of London
A new
specification for
flushability has
been developed
by wastewater
professionals.
Flushability
Wastewater professionals release their own specification for flushability.
BY ROBERT HALLER AND BARRY ORR
IT’S NOT FLUSHABLE just because with the key aspects required for materials first PAS was released in 2018 and sent
the salesman says so! This has been to be compatible with sewerage out for review before being approved by
our debate with the powerful wipes infrastructure as defined through the the wastewater associations in Canada,
manufacturing industry for well over a International Standards Organisation Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Spain,
decade now. (ISO). This PAS is the product of years and the United States.
Currently, anyone can call anything of collaboration amongst wastewater The PAS 2020 followed a critical review
‘flushable.’ There are no rules. There professionals toward producing to ensure 80 per cent dispersibility of a
has been no legal definition of the term. enforceable standards for any product once flushed. The PAS includes
And so, we have seen an ever-increasing products intended to be flushed into criteria for determining material suitable
amount of products improperly labelled public sewer systems. for toilet flushing and the recommended
and marketed as ‘flushable.’ This specification was developed and testing protocols. The PAS also defines
Regardless of marketing claims, these produced by a coalition of wastewater appropriate labelling requirements. This
products have not been breaking down in experts from around the world. The testing specification will allow for clear
any reasonable time frame and wreak havoc International Water
on our wastewater systems. The flushing of Services Flushability
these products leads to millions of dollars Group (IWSFG) It is now up to individual countries
of equipment damage and dangerous sewer describes itself as a
clogs threatening homeowners, wastewater group of passionate to determine if and how the new
workers, and the environment. water professionals
Those of us in the wastewater utility seeking to provide
specifications will be adopted.
sector have always argued that we, the clear guidance on
actual owners and operators of these what should and shouldn’t be flushed methods that will assist manufacturers
systems, should be the ones determining down the toilet to protect customers, to properly test, certify and label their
what can be called flushable. So on wastewater systems, their workers, and flushable products.
December 2, 2020, the wastewater the environment. This called for a global To communicate a product’s ability
industry released a critically reviewed initiative because it is a global problem. to be flushed, the IWSFG has created
version two of the Publicly Available An initial statement, that only the three a logo that manufacturers can use on
Specification (PAS) in an effort to define P’s (pee, poo, and toilet paper) should be their products to clearly identify to users
the term ‘flushable.’ flushed, was released in 2016 with the that their product has passed the IWSFG
This is an international effort that aligns support of 250 water organizations. The flushability criteria.
8 MARCH /APRIL 2021
WASTEWATER
Now that a new specification Marketing claims
has been developed, it is up to about ‘flushable’
individual countries to determine if products like wipes are
and how it will be adopted. not necessarily true.
While this PAS is a major step forward, products to be labelled as flushable. A second study at the University
it is now up to individual countries, However, in actuality it has been the of Western Ontario showed that the
particularly their water utilities and wipes manufacturers that came up with nonwoven product industry fails to
citizens, to determine if and how their own rules despite objections from comply with its own Code of Practice.
these specifications will be adopted. the wastewater professionals. The wipes This is apparent through the analysis
Our intention at Canadian Water and manufacturers’ association, known as of products not advertised as flushable
Wastewater Association (CWWA) is INDA, published a series of guidance showing a 100 per cent violation
that they will be adopted here to form documents to set specifications for regarding packaging standards through
a National Standard on Flushability products to be labelled flushable and also improper logo placement, size, colour
within Canada. This would ensure both approved a Code of Practice for labelling. contrast, and formatting, further
a clear definition of what is flushable, A coalition of representatives from contributing to consumer misuse and
and clarity about the labelling consumers the National Association for Clean improper disposal.
should look for to know that a product is Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Until such a national standard is
safe for their home and their community. Environment Federation (WEF), and enacted, the IWSFG recommends that
CWWA and its partners at the the CWWA tried to work with INDA to all toilet users adopt the approach that
Municipal Enforcement Sewer Use strengthen the guidelines to a level where only the ‘3P’s—pee, poop, and (toilet)
Group (MESUG) have been supporting their wipes would be truly dispersible paper’ should be put in the toilet.
the development of such a Canadian within the sewer systems, but to no avail. Other items of recent concern being
Standard for years. In 2019, CWWA, Similarly, tremendous effort and expense flushed are gloves, masks, paper towels,
along with the Friends of the Earth, was put toward developing a standard condoms, feminine hygiene products,
co-signed a formal complaint to the through the ISO process, but again, facial tissues, and fats, oils, and grease.
Federal Competition Bureau against we could not get any support from the Toilets are not garbage cans! WC
the improper labelling of products as manufacturers to make their products
‘flushable.’ This complaint has launched more dispersible.
a formal review by the Bureau, but Despite INDA’s approval and promotion
Robert Haller is the executive director of the
now this PAS provides the detailed of its own guidelines, compliance has Canadian Water and Wastewater Association.
specifications needed to create a national been minimal as participation is voluntary
Barry Orr is the spokesperson for the
standard that can be tested and enforced. and many wipes manufacturers are not Municipal Enforcement Sewer Use Group.
The manufacturers and their powerful members of INDA. Research conducted
lobby association will argue that there at Ryerson University in 2019 showed that
has been a standard for flushability for only 56 per cent of the baby wipe tested
several years. And many consumers had the Do Not Flush symbol displayed. More information about the
have assumed that government bodies Of that 56 per cent, none met the INDA IWSGF is available at iwsfg.org
have determined the criteria for EDANA CoP requirements.
MARCH /APRIL 2021 9
DRINKING WATER
All photos: City of Vancouver
A potable water
treatment system
within a building that
passed inspection.
Preventing
Legionnaires’
Disease
New Building Water Systems
certification aims to prevent
Legionnaires’ Disease.
BY JENNI GREEN AND KALPNA SOLANKI
LEGIONELLA was discovered after an outbreak in
1976 among people who went to a Philadelphia
convention of the American Legion. Those who
were affected suffered from a type of pneumonia
(lung infection) that eventually became known as
Legionnaires’ disease.
Interestingly, Legionella was also implicated in
another illness. The first identified cases of Pontiac
fever occurred in 1968 in Pontiac, Michigan
A decorative water feature that did not pass inspection. among people who worked at and visited the city’s
health department. It wasn’t until Legionella was
discovered after the 1976 outbreak in Philadelphia
that public health officials were able to show that
the same bacterium causes both diseases. While
there is no vaccine, the disease is preventable
as it is almost always connected to improperly
maintained mechanical systems.
Monitoring the disease trends in Canada shows
there is a reason to be concerned about the
incidence of Legionnaires’ disease in Canada. In
2000, the rate of Legionella in Canada was around
0.2/100,000. By 2018, this number had jumped to
1.7 per 100,000. Considering that these are only
the reported cases, there is a very strong likelihood
that individuals with milder forms of the illness
may have attributed it to a cold or flu and may
not have even sought treatment. There is also
the strong possibility that many who did have
A cooling tower that did not pass inspection. Legionella were never tested even if they did seek
medical attention.
10 MARCH /APRIL 2021DRINKING WATER
Some recent cases of Legionella in environment for Legionella to multiply. the number of Legionella outbreaks in
Canada include: British Columbia.
Surrey, British Columbia:
Where can Legionella Pre-requisites for the Building Water
An outbreak in 2018 resulted in 14
be found? System (BWS) Operator certification,
cases (all hospitalised). Seven people Legionella is a genus of bacteria that and ongoing requirements to maintain
ended up in and intensive care unit and includes the species L. pneumophila the certification, include:
there were two deaths. that causes a pneumonia-type illness 1 50 hours of experience working as:
called Legionnaires’ disease and a mild
Moncton, New Brunswick: A relevant red seal trade
flu-like illness called Pontiac fever.
In 2019, there were 16 cases. Out of (e.g. plumber, boilermaker, etc.).
Legionella bacteria are ubiquitous in
these, 15 were hospitalised. Facility maintenance technician.
water and soil, and multiply quickly in
Quebec City, Quebec: In 2012, Professional engineer working
warm water (20-50˚C).
there were 181 cases and 14 deaths. in a related field.
Legionella are associated with
Toronto, Ontario: In 2005, there the built environment. The bacteria Certified EOCP operator.
were 135 cases and 23 deaths. can proliferate in poorly maintained Water treatment service provider.
Most recently, several individuals plumbing and building mechanical Environmental health officer.
got Legionella during the summer systems and are transmitted through
Drinking water officer.
of 2020 in New Westminster, British inhalation of contaminated water that
Columbia. One woman in her 70s has been aerosolised, but not by ingestion Swimming pool operator.
needed to be hospitalized for 28 days of water. Sources include, but are not 2 Completion of an accredited
after contracting the illness. To date, limited to, cooling towers, swimming BWS course*:
despite an extensive investigation, the pools, domestic water systems, ice- Course will be two to
Health Authority is not aware of the making machines, whirlpool spas, hot three days long.
source of the bacteria. springs, and fountains. Cost for course will be
Cooling towers, approximately $750.
decorative water
Monitoring the disease trends in Canada features, and non- Course may be in class or online.
*Courses have been developed by training
potable water
shows there is a reason to be concerned treatment systems providers; accreditation is provided by the EOCP.
3 Examination
(such as for
about the incidence of the disease. Web-based or paper.
rainwater re-use)
have all been Cost is $100.
“That is not a small piece of work,” implicated in Legionella outbreaks. 50 questions.
said Dr. Elizabeth Bodkin, vice These systems need to be properly Two hours long.
president of Population Health and installed, routinely tested and
4 Maintaining Certification
chief medical health officer. “Any maintained, and reported on to ensure
manmade water system, whether it is that corrective action takes place to help Payment of EOCP annual dues ($99).
a cooling tower on top of a building or prevent outbreaks. Completion of 1.2 CEUs (core and
whether it’s a fountain or water feature related) in every two-year reporting
are possible places where the bacteria New certification aims to period (first reporting period
can grow and thrive, and so all of these reduce Legionella outbreaks will be from January 1, 2022 to
are being looked at.” In early 2020, the City of Vancouver, December 31, 2023).
A review of the data from the U.S. Vancouver Coastal Health Region, While the Building Water Systems
shows similar alarming trends where and the Environmental Operators certification is first being rolled out
year after year since 2000, the number Certification Program (EOCP) in Vancouver, there has been a great
of cases has been increasing steadily. embarked on a project to implement deal of interest in this new certification
The COVID-19 pandemic has further a new certification, that of Building throughout North America. It is expected
heightened attention to Legionella as Water Systems Operator certification. that other jurisdictions will follow suit. WC
some health experts express concern This certification also encompasses
that a prior COVID-19 infection could potable water systems where anti-
make a person more susceptible to corrosives are used, as well as rainwater
Legionella. There is another concern harvesting systems.
as well related to shutdown of The certification was announced at
buildings during the pandemic, where the EOCP’s conference in September
water in cooling towers, fountains, 2020. It is anticipated that the operator
and distribution systems has been training and certification process will Jenni Green is the technical expert at EOCP.
left stagnant—providing a perfect have a significant impact in reducing Kalpna Solanki is the president and CEO of EOCP.
MARCH /APRIL 2021 11DRINKING WATER
All photos: Water Movement
Volunteer
professional
videographer Matt
Miller films Disa
Crowchief of Siksika
Nation. The interview
will be featured as
part of an upcoming
documentary project
Water Movement
is working on
to advocate for
better water access
to Indigenous
communities.
Sharing Expertise
How Water Movement is promoting information sharing between operators.
BY BITA MALEKIAN
WHY DO SOME COMMUNITIES not have information and knowledge is shared Calgary, designed a video learning library
access to safe, reliable access to drinking and passed down by senior operators at with content tailored for ‘Indigenous
water? Especially in a country like the facility or through training. Water Operators by Indigenous Water
Canada that’s known for having one of While training programs play a key role Operators.’ Similar to the videos provided
the largest freshwater reserves in the in enhancing the operators’ skills, they by some YouTube channels, Khan
world? A devoted team of volunteer come with their own set of challenges. Academy and Udemy, the fundamental
industry professionals and university The programs themselves are expensive. concept behind the video learning library
students from Calgary spent three years They also have added costs involved is to connect the experts to the operators.
investigating this question. with travelling and accommodations. WM’s team has partnered with
The research team focused on facility In addition to this, requesting time off professional volunteer videographers
operations and maintenance since water work is a common challenge, especially Matt Miller, Ben Grayzel, Roud
operators are the first line of defense at smaller facilities that have limited Almasoud, and Reuben Dandurand
in mitigating water plant failures. After qualified operators to begin with. to capture professional footage for the
connecting with expert Indigenous water Even when an operator does have the online library. In collaboration with
operators in British Columbia, Alberta, opportunity and resources to attend expert Indigenous operators, including
and Saskatchewan, the team noticed a course, questions about specific Warren Brown of Lytton First Nations
reoccurring themes in the challenges equipment remain unanswered because and Deon Hassler of Carry the Kettle
faced by operators. The most common the instructor may not be familiar with Nakoda Nation, WM works to cultivate
challenges can be grouped into three that equipment model or manufacturer. short four to five minute videos that
categories: training, collaboration, If these challenges mentioned above explain concepts and answer direct
and retention. are overcome, many times the operators questions operators have. Making these
are overloaded with information and videos available helps remove the cost,
Training content. This makes the very retention of travel time, and retention barriers often
Understanding best maintenance the material difficult. associated with training programs.
practices, how to troubleshoot equipment To mitigate the challenges involved While the videos don’t replace formal
issues, and ways to enhance equipment with attending training programs, the training, the video learning library
reliability are fundamental aspects of Water Movement (WM) team, a venture does provide an additional resource
a water operator’s role. Typically, this under Engineers without Borders to water operators.
12 MARCH /APRIL 2021DRINKING WATER
Collaboration
Industries rely on collaboration for
growth and development. In Canada, the
oil and gas sector has formed a hub in
Calgary, the upcoming tech and software
industry is expanding in Vancouver, and
there are plenty of examples of other
industries in these same and other places
throughout the country. These hubs
allow for experts from all companies
to network, cultivate mentorships, and
share ideas that enhance innovations in Volunteer professional videographer Matt Miller, alongside expert water operator Warren
their respective fields. Brown of Lytton First Nations, shooting for the video learning library and documentary.
Since Indigenous water operators
work in remote locations, opportunity
for collaboration is limited. Outside of
annual conferences and regional water
operator Facebook pages, Indigenous
water operators do not benefit from the
same collaboration opportunities that
centralized industry hubs see.
To address this gap, WM created a
‘collaboration zone’ on its website. This
interactive online space provides three
channels for operators to connect on: ask
Volunteer professional videographer Ben Grayzel, alongside expert water operator
the community, lessons learned, and the
Warren Brown of Lytton First Nations, shooting for the video learning library.
spotlight channel.
Operators can use the ‘ask the
community’ channel to help troubleshoot more water professionals and water Overcoming challenges
equipment issues, removing the trial- operators. Cultivating the next generation To address challenges associated with
and-error process and inevitably saving of water leaders is a key pillar of WM. It is training, collaboration and retention,
precious time. When operators cannot unequivocal that while WM provides this WM website promotes information
solve an issue on their own, they are additional resource to water operators, sharing. The website provides an online
forced to wait for an expert to visit their much work remains to solve the water interactive space where Indigenous
site which can take days or weeks due to crises Canada faces. water operators can connect, ask
the remoteness of their facilities. Since To bridge the connection between questions, share lessons learned, access
most issues operators see are typically students and the water sector, WM training videos, and spotlight exemplary
systematic, it is not uncommon for other provides free lunch and learns, technical operators in their communities.
operators to have dealt with and can and non-technical workshops, and More information can be found at
provide support. facilitates tours of wastewater treatment watermovementyyc.com.
The ‘lessons learned’ channel was plants. Schools also have the opportunity
created to provide a space where operators to inform WM of water infrastructure Your part
can share not just lessons learned but new challenges they may face. WM can It is our collective responsibility to
innovations, tips, and tricks, and what then use its advocacy and fundraising ensure everyone has access to clean
some may call, life hacks. channels to help address the challenges. drinking water. We need innovation from
The ‘spotlight’ channel is a WM WM also advocates to other groups. engineers, better legislation from our
favourite because it allows operators to Currently, WM is working on a policy makers, and more water education
virtually spotlight exemplary operators in documentary that aims to educate in schools. To solve one of the biggest
their communities. Water operators are Canadians of the water crisis. The challenges our society faces, we need big
essential workers and WM is proud to be documentary is being filmed by volunteer thinkers, action makers, and visionaries.
a pioneer in creating a space where they videographer Matt Miller and it features We need everyone. We need you. WC
can be formally and properly appreciated current water leaders: Warren Brown,
on a regular basis. Dr. Madjid Mohseni, Candace Cook,
Dr. Michael Hart, and Disa Crowchief.
Retention Once the documentary is ready, it will be Bita Malekian is the founder
It is no surprise that there is a need for screened at several events. of Water Movement.
MARCH /APRIL 2021 13DRINKING WATER
Health
Concerns
What risks do asbestos cement water pipes pose to the health of Canadians?
BY JULIAN BRANCH
FOR MILLIONS OF CANADIANS, getting a asbestos fibers had been discovered in In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Water
drink of water from the tap or taking the drinking water of Duluth, Minnesota. Drinking Act. The regulation for asbestos
a shower doesn’t involve any second- Following a landmark two-year court became effective in 1992. With that came
guessing. The assumption is the water trial, the mining giant was ordered an enforceable regulation for asbestos,
is clean and safe. What most Canadians to stop dumping its waste into Lake called a Maximum Contaminant Level
don’t know is that for decades asbestos Superior. What followed was an extensive (MCL), set at seven-million-fibers-per-
cement (AC) water mains were installed investigation into asbestos in water and litre of water (MFL). An EPA document
in communities from coast-to-coast- asbestos cement water pipes in America. entitled National Primary Drinking Water
to-coast. Legislation was passed in the Regulations—Asbestos says the long-
United States of America three decades Health Concerns—cancer risks term health effects of ingesting asbestos
ago to regulate asbestos in water. Health from asbestos in pipes are “lung disease, cancer.” The paper
Canada maintains there is no evidence A 1979 EPA study found that “as many as goes on to say that if the asbestos in the
that ingested asbestos is hazardous. 68.5 per cent of the U.S. water systems water supply exceeds the MCL, steps,
carry water which is potentially capable such as providing alternative drinking
Background of eroding asbestos-cement Type 1 pipe.” water supplies, need to be taken to
Asbestos cement had become popular as It went on to state: “If A/C pipe is used, “prevent serious risks to public health.”
a water pipe material back in the 1930’s there exists the potential for consumers to Asbestos cement pipes are listed in the
and 40s. The pipes were cheap to produce, be exposed to significant concentrations document as a main cause of asbestos
and at the time, thought to be resistant to of asbestos in their drinking water.” in water.
internal and external corrosion. They can In 1980, the EPA produced a study Another EPA document says the
contain up to 20 per cent asbestos. Studies entitled Ambient Water Quality Criteria MCL was set at seven-MFL “to protect
put the length of AC pipe installed in North for Asbestos. In part it reads “Asbestos is against cancer.”
America at close to a million kilometers. a known carcinogen when inhaled. The
The pipes are used in communities from demonstrated ability of asbestos to induce National Research
Baie Verte, Newfoundland to Surrey, malignant tumors in different animal Council Canada (NRC)
British Columbia. tissues, the passage of ingested fibers The National Research Council Canada
The issue of asbestos in water first came through the gastrointestinal mucosa, (NRC), Canada’s premier scientific
to light in the late 1960s. The Reserve and the extensive human epidemiological research body, has studied the issue of
Mining Company had been dumping iron evidence for excess peritoneal, asbestos cement water pipes extensively.
ore tailings into Lake Superior daily for gastrointestinal, and other extra-pulmonary “The use of AC pipe was largely
close to two decades. The newly formed cancer as a result of asbestos exposure discontinued in North America in the late
Environmental Protection Agency suggests that asbestos is likely to be a 1970s due to health concerns associated
(EPA) found that high concentrations of human carcinogen when ingested.” with the manufacturing process of
14 MARCH /APRIL 2021DRINKING WATER
AC pipes and the possible release of
asbestos fibres from deteriorated pipes,” Many
Canadians
reads the 2008 study Asbestos Cement don’t second
Water Mains: History, Current State, guess the
and Future Planning. quality of
their drinking
Virtually all the NRC studies water.
refer to asbestos in the water as a
“health concern.” One report, entitled
Bacteriological challenges to asbestos
cement water distribution pipelines,
goes even further: “Severely deteriorated
AC pipes also released asbestos fiber
into the drinking water and could pose
a hazard of malignant tumors of the
gastrointestinal tract and other organs
in consumers.”
The 2010 report goes on to say “These
AC pipes were laid down before the Asbestos
cement water
potential environmental, social, and pipes can
health impacts were recognized and contain up to
evaluated. In recent years, problems with 20 per cent of
the mineral,
AC have gradually become significant according to
including increases in the number of Julian Branch.
pipe breaks and failure.”
Yet another 2010 NRC study, entitled
Safety and Waste Management of
Asbestos Cement Pipes, states severely
deteriorated AC pipes “may cause
the release of asbestos fibers into the
drinking water.” The paper continues:
“Although there are fewer health
concerns about waterborne asbestos
fibers, there are still concerns about the
inhalation of airborne asbestos from
showers, humidifiers, etc. There are also and cancer.” Gagnon, a communications all possible efforts in order to revise
some concerns about the ingestion of advisor with Health Canada, declined a health policies concerning this topic,
fibers from drinking water as well as the request for an interview. and a systematic monitoring of drinking
clogging of filter systems.” water to quantify the presence of asbestos
External studies is certainly needed in all regions. Further
Health Canada As asbestos cement water pipes epidemiological studies aimed to the
Health Canada maintains there continue to age and deteriorate, they identification of exposed communities
are no health concerns associated are beginning to attract attention from and to an adequate health risk assessment
with drinking asbestos. “There is no around the world. One of the more blunt in their specific geographical regions are
consistent, convincing evidence that assessments, Possible health risks from urgently needed.”
ingested asbestos is hazardous. There asbestos in drinking water, comes from Canada and the United States have
is, therefore, no need to establish a Italy following the discovery of asbestos hundreds of thousands of kilometers
maximum acceptable concentration fibers in the water supply of Tuscany. of old asbestos cement water mains
(MAC) for asbestos in drinking water,” “In conclusion, several findings suggest delivering water to millions of users, and
according to the Guidelines for Canadian that health risks from asbestos could two very different approaches to dealing
Drinking Water Quality: Guideline not exclusively derive from inhalation with the issue. WC
Technical Document. of fibers,” reads the 2016 study. “Health
In an email exchange, spokesman hazards might also be present after
Andre Gagnon says although the Health ingestion, mainly after daily ingestion of
Canada guidelines were published in drinking water for long periods.” Julian Branch is a
journalist and professional
1989, a recent review found that “there The report goes on to caution
communicator with four
is little evidence suggesting a casual that prompt action is required. “The decades of experience.
relationship between asbestos ingestion precautionary principle should impose
MARCH /APRIL 2021 15BLUE ECONOMY
Should the definition of the
blue economy be expanded
to include more than ocean
resources? This was a key
question that was explored
during the Defining the Blue
Economy webinar.
Defining
“Blue Economy”
Should the term Blue Economy encompass more than the “ocean economy”?
BY SIMRAN CHATTHA
CURRENTLY, predominant definitions Geoff Green from Students on Ice, human activities on water resources by
of the term Blue Economy are and Jason Scorse from the Middlebury treating wastewater before it gets into the
synonymous with ocean resources. Institute of International Studies. environment, as well as reducing plastic
For example, the World Bank defines pollution from runoff.
the Blue Economy as the “sustainable Setting the stage Economic activities are also a key
use of ocean resources for economic Latham kicked off the Defining the Blue consideration as a part of the expanded
growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, Economy webinar by setting the stage for definition. This consideration includes
and ocean ecosystem health.” Our the discussion. He noted that the term identifying and supporting the
team at Water Canada believes that should encompass more than ocean and sustainable development of business
this definition of the Blue Economy marine ecosystems. It should also include sectors that depend on water like
is too narrow and that it needs to be groundwater, drinking water treatment, fisheries, tourism, beverage, and mining.
expanded to encompass the broader rainwater, flooding, conveyance, and
water sector. wastewater management. What should the term
In January 2021, Water Canada hosted As part of this expanded definition, “Blue Economy” include?
a virtual discussion on why the wider there are two key considerations. The During the Defining the Blue Economy
definition of the term Blue Economy is first is the idea that stewardship, which webinar, each of the speakers provided
warranted and why it’s important for includes protecting water bodies and an overview of what the term Blue
the future of the water sector. Actual using water in a way that balances Economy means to them and what they
Media’s Todd Latham was joined by needs with availability, is an important think it should encompass.
Melissa De Young from Pollution Probe, part of the Blue Economy. Stewardship “When I look at the Blue Economy,
Bruce Dudley from The Delphi Group, also includes minimizing the impact of I definitely see a holistic vision of what
16 MARCH /APRIL 2021BLUE ECONOMY
A number of speakers Should Blue Economy
agreed that the
Great Lakes should
be more inclusive of
be included in the all water resources?
expanded definition of
the blue economy.
During the webinar, we asked
participants if they think the
definition of “Blue Economy”
needs to be more inclusive of
all water resources. Here’s what
they had to say:
Yes: It should include lakes,
rivers, freshwater, and urban
water issues too.
93.6 per cent
No: It is just about oceans and
ocean shorelines. 0 per cent
Maybe: If regulators
and business community
agree. 0 per cent
Not sure: Just learning
about this and haven’t got
an opinion yet. 6.4 per cent
Overall, there seems Are we making things
to be support for
expanding the more difficult to
definition of Blue understand with an
Economy to include
more than ocean expanded definition?
resources.
There are a plethora of terms—
like Blue Economy, circular
economy, net zero, and green
that means,” said Green. “Not just Bruce in terms of broadening the
economy—that are being
oceans but also groundwater, drinking definition to include freshwater,” said
used to describe the work
water, wastewater, marine protected De Young. “It’s clearly important from
we do. We asked participants
areas, technology, science, education. some of the work we’re doing. We’ve
whether we’re making things
All of these provide job opportunities long been advocating for ensuring
more difficult to understand
and career opportunities.” that similar attention is given to
with the definition of the Blue
“If we play our cards right—not freshwater environmental issues
Economy. Here’s what the
just with the definition but [also] in as that’s been given to ocean and
participants had to say.
the way that the Blue Economy gets marine environments.”
communicated to people—there’s “A recent example was our work Yes: Just call it climate change
a huge opportunity in ahead of us,” related to plastic pollution,” noted mitigation and adaptation.
noted Green. “It provides a way to De Young. “Researchers in the The rest is semantics.
bridge environmental and economic Great Lakes have been finding 15.9 per cent
pressures and Canada should be a concentrations, for example, of No: It’s important to
leader in that.” microplastics that in some cases are compartmentalize the issues
De Young agreed with notion that the greater than those that are found in so we can tackle them better.
definition of the term Blue Economy ocean jars. Our inland water and lakes 68.2 per cent
needs to be expanded. are also critical pathways for plastic
Not Sure: I just go with
“When we’re talking about what pollution reaching the oceans.” the flow. Language changes
the definition of the Blue Economy Dudley added that he believes all the time. 15.9 per cent
means to us at Pollution Probe, I we’re in the very early days for the
echo the sentiments of Geoff and of Blue Economy.
MARCH /APRIL 2021 17BLUE ECONOMY
“You can look at it from a number of ocean and coastal systems. We work Centre’s work and priorities.
different lenses,” said Dudley. “One of internationally and we work with a lot of There were a couple of key takeaways
them is the investment lens. If you look people in leading Blue Economy work. from the discussion about what the
at the green bond, for example, which That seems to be pretty much where term Blue Economy should include.
is a vehicle for financing projects and most of the world is at this point.” The first is that including freshwater
technologies, you have a trillion dollars Scorse added some caveats as well. in the definition of blue economy
for the green bonds. Compare that to a He indicated that “in the U.S. national would be in line with what some
handful of small initiatives for the blue statistics on ocean and coastal economies, organizations have been advocating
which we have a for. The second is that the Great Lakes
pretty central role should be included in the definition
Stewardship and economic activities in producing, we of the Blue Economy because of the
actually do include importance they hold in the Canadian
are key considerations in the updated the Great Lakes and U.S. contexts.
as part of the Blue
definition of Blue Economy. Economy given What should the term
their magnitude, Blue Economy not include?
bonds. So we’re in the very early days of the fact that they’re used for navigation, During the webinar, some points were
the Blue Economy.” and because they’re such massive raised about how the term “sustainability”
Meanwhile Scorse from the Center for bodies of water.” fits within the Blue Economy.
the Blue Economy at the Middlebury Scorse also noted that while he is Latham indicated that he has “a
Institute of International Studies noted not using the expanded definition, he visceral reaction to the word sustainable.
that he uses the traditional definition could “be persuaded in certain contexts It’s not a very good word for what
of Blue Economy in his work. “We use that it could be expanded.” For now, he we’re trying to do. By definition alone,
the World Bank definition,” he said. “We indicated that the current definition of it means keep doing the same thing
are pretty focused on the saltwater, and Blue Economy is the right frame for the and that’s not what we have to do
SAVE THE DATE
awards 2021
Celebrating Canadian water
leaders and champions Water’s Next winners
receive a plaque and an
individually hand crafted
VIRTUAL AWARD CELEBRATION glass pin by artisan
glassblower Aaron Calenda
Thursday, June 10 of Guelph, Ont.
PRESENTED BY THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 SPONSORS
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NOMINATE
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18 MARCH /APRIL 2021BLUE ECONOMY
here. We can no longer be doing get off fossil fuels.” Economy in different ways. For example,
the same thing.” “Offshore wind is Blue Economy,” during the Defining the Blue Economy
Scorse also had some strong feelings added Scorse. “Offshore oil and gas webinar, Dudley provided attendees a
about how sustainability fits within the is not Blue Economy. I’m really much preview of GLOBE Advance’s report on
Blue Economy. more interested in using the framework Scaling Up the Blue Economy.
“We really believe that sustainability to differentiate sustainable from The report notes that “for the
is built into the Blue Economy,” said unsustainable activities.” Blue Economy to succeed and for
Scorse. “That if something has a innovation to thrive, a diverse and
clear unsustainable dimension, it is Where do we go from here? varied financing approach is needed.
not a blue economic element. So we Overall, there seems to be support This report summarizes the challenges
think it’s redundant to say sustainable for expanding the definition of Blue and opportunities identified by
Blue Economy.” Economy to include more than ocean experts during the Advance discussion
“One thing I’m working on and our resources. Through the Keys to a Blue [during GLOBE 2020] and identifies a
centre is working on is building that Economy webinar series, Water Canada roadmap for financing the global Blue
sustainability into that definition and aims to understand all of the key Economy.” A copy of the Scaling Up
then using it operationally to differentiate elements (e.g., infrastructure demands, the Blue Economy report is available at
unsustainable from sustainable,” added technologies, etc.) that should be bit.ly/ScalingUpBlueEconomy
Scorse. “This is not something that’s included in the expanded definition to Over the coming months, we’ll be
been fully agreed on and there isn’t support the national water sector. More moving the conversation forward on
consensus on it but within my Centre, information about the Keys to a Blue what the Blue Economy should look like.
I’m pretty clear that offshore oil and Economy webinar series is available at Stay tuned for more details! WC
gas is not the Blue Economy because watercanada.net/blue-economy
it is not sustainable. It is a big source In the meantime, we recognize that a
of marine pollution and obviously number of organizations are also doing Simran Chattha is the interim editor
because of climate change, we need to important work to support the Blue of Water Canada.
THE KEYS TO A BLUE ECONOMY
FOUR PART Wednesdays at
LIVE WEBINAR SERIES 11 am - 12 pm ET
PRESENTED BY
Part 1: January 20, 2021 Part 2: February 17, 2021
DEFINING THE BUILDING THE
BLUE ECONOMY BLUE ECONOMY
Part 3: March 17, 2021 Part 4: April 21, 2021
GOVERNING THE INNOVATING THE
BLUE ECONOMY BLUE ECONOMY THIS EVENT IS
POWERED BY
Register at watercanada.net/blue-economy
MARCH /APRIL 2021 19STORMWATER
The costs, both insurable and
uninsurable, of spring flooding
are considerable in Canada.
Spring Flooding
Calling on “Team Canada” to Prepare for Spring 2021 Flooding
BY NATALIA MOUDRAK
QUESTION: What do Covid-19 and spring catastrophic events exceeded $1-billion. We know what to do. Canada has
flooding have in common? This is more than double the annual developed practical guidelines and
average of $405-million from 1983 to standards for mitigating flood risks.
ANSWER: They both cause hardship and
2008. Water-related losses accounted for These guidelines and standards can
economic instability—if Canadians are
more than half of this increase. inform actions taken by homeowners,
not prepared.
In addition to this, businesses municipalities, commercial real estate
While we all look forward to the end and homeowners endure additional owners and managers, and other
of the coronavirus pandemic, annual uninsurable losses to the tune of three stakeholders.
flooding caused by extreme weather is a to four times the insurable losses. Also, In late 2020, the Intact Centre
problem that is here to stay. Canadians affected by floods often suffer on Climate Adaptation published a
Scientists worldwide agree that climate physical and mental health problems, report, Under One Umbrella: Practical
change is effectively irreversible and sometimes for years afterward. Approaches for Reducing Flood Risks in
our only choice is to adapt to extreme Spring flood season starts in February Canada, that summarized the available
weather events. For Canadians, flooding and runs into July. And this year, the guidance, serving as a “toolkit” of
has emerged as the most damaging coronavirus presents another challenge: practical actions that can be executed
extreme weather disaster, with costs to flood aid for impacted communities immediately.
governments, businesses, and individual could be delayed or limited by physical “Under One Umbrella is a toolbox of
Canadians mounting dramatically distancing, stay-at-home orders, and practical solutions that Canadians can
since 2010. a shortage of emergency response and put into action—today—to strengthen
An event that causes more than $25 evacuation capacity. our resilience to floods,” notes Chantal
million of insured damage is considered Canadians everywhere must prepare— Guay, CEO of the Standards Council of
a “catastrophic event.” In 11 of the past right now—by taking simple, practical Canada (SCC). “This report is an excellent
12 years, annual property and casualty steps to protect themselves and their example of how, working together, SCC
insurance payouts associated with properties from flooding. and the Intact Centre, supported by a
20 MARCH /APRIL 2021STORMWATER
All is not lost. We can
take actions to reduce the
impacts of spring flooding.
dedicated group of flood professionals, Protection infographic to their 57,000 They can also promote the conservation
are helping drive Canada’s health, residential and small commercial of natural infrastructure assets, such as
well-being, and economic prosperity. customer account holders vis-à-vis utility wetlands, forests and ponds, for flood
Protecting what we have is especially bills, as well as promoting home flood protection and other benefits they
important in these exceptionally protection on Twitter, Facebook, and provide to local communities.
challenging times.” other social media channels.
The report includes the following The global pandemic has demonstrated
Owners and managers of the perils of being taken by surprise.
practical actions:
commercial buildings can create flood It has shown that being prepared for
Homeowners and tenants can clean response plans and procedures for each
disaster could have saved lives and
out eaves troughs and catch basins; install building; obtain portable flood barriers,
plastic covers over basement window wells; minimized harm to the economy.
sandbags, backup power generators, and
extend downspouts and sump discharge Let’s not be caught off guard by the
other emergency supplies; protect critical
pipes away from the foundation walls; inevitable floods in spring 2021. If all
equipment; and incorporate the cost of
remove obstructions from floor drains; members of “Team Canada” prepare,
such actions into asset-management and
raise electronics; and store valuables off by adapting homes, communities, and
long-term financial plans.
the floor in watertight containers. businesses to reduce their risks, society
Professionals involved in buying, will benefit.
Municipalities can help
selling or insuring property—including
homeowners by following the lead Taking concrete actions to prevent
insurance brokers, mortgage brokers,
of Antigonish County, the Town of or lessen flood damage will create new
real estate agents, and home inspectors—
Antigonish, and the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw jobs. It will protect the environment. And
can boost their skills with professional
Nation in Nova Scotia to distribute the it will result in less financial hardship,
Three Steps to Cost-Effective Home training about household flood protection
fewer insurance claims and greater
Flood Protection infographic. The through their professional associations.
economic stability.
infographic depicts cost-effective flood They can subsequently help clients with
The time to act is now. We have the
risk reduction actions and is distributed value-add advice about best practices to
limit flood risk. Mortgage lenders can knowledge, the practical tools, and—
vis-à-vis property mailings. This ensures
offer incentives for retrofits that make hopefully—the wisdom to do so. WC
residents receive the guidance and do not
discard it as “junk mail.” homes more resilient to flooding.
Utilities can similarly follow example Regional conservation agencies
Natalia Moudrak is the director of
of Energy+ Inc. to send out the Three and not-for-profit organizations can climate resilience at the Intact Centre
Steps to Cost-Effective Home Flood publicize existing data about flood risks. on Climate Adaptation.
MARCH /APRIL 2021 21You can also read
