Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water - Thirty-First Meeting October 24-25, 2002, Ottawa, Ontario

Thirty- First Meeting - Minutes

3.0 Parameters: Microbiological

W. Robertson introduced the members of Health Canada's Water Quality and Health Bureau's Microbiological Section and talked about current activities.

3.01 Bacteriological

W. Robertson gave a summary of two meetings he attended dealing with the use of heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) to determine the bacteriological quality of water. The next version of the bacteriological document will reflect the trend towards using HPC as an operational measure rather than a public health indicator. W.Robertson gave a summary of the revised version of the bacteriological guideline and noted that it reflects idea that E.coli and thermotolerant coliforms are the key indicator of bacteriological quality of the water. A note will be distributed through the listserv stating that this guideline and supporting document were approved in 2001. The current bacteriological guideline is being updated and will be separated into four documents for ease of use: E.coli, total coliforms, HPC, and emerging pathogens.

Decision/Action:

• Secretariat to post the 2001 guideline document on the website and notify members and interested parties through the listserv.
• Secretary to provide rough drafts of the four new bacteriological guideline supporting documents to members for discussion by March 21, 2003.

W. Robertson noted that the protozoa document is being revised. A preliminary draft of the document was given to members. The document includes revisions to all sections, with particular emphasis on current analytical methods and treatment options. The document also includes a new section on emerging protozoan pathogens. The guideline will remain treatment-based.

Decision/Action:

• Members to send in comments on the rough draft document to the Secretariat by January 6, 2003.
• Secretary to distribute the final revised document by March 21, 2003.

3.03 Viruses

W. Robertson noted the document has been revised and now reflects information on the resistance of certain viruses to UV disinfection. The proposed guideline statement is based on operational concerns, similar to the guideline for protozoa. Members approved sending the document out for consultation after some comments have been incorporated and other information included when it goes out for consultation.

Decision/Action:

• B.Boettger to provide written comments to W. Robertson by November 8, 2002.
• Members to provide paragraphs on the status of virus-related activity in their provinces and territories to the Secretariat by November 29, 2002.
• Secretariat to provide a copy of the revised document with acceptable risk levels to members by January 6, 2003, and send out the document for consultation prior to the April 2003 meeting.

3.04 Boil Water Advisory

M. Giddings noted that the Boil Water Advisory document has been posted on the website. She will send the PDF version to members shortly.

Decision/Action:

• Members to provide protocols for hospitals and other institutions to follow when a boil water advisory is issued to the Secretary by November 29, 2002.