Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water: Forty-second Meeting April 16 - 17, 2008 Ottawa, Ontario: Minutes

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Table of Contents

• Members Present
• Secretariat
• Observers/Speakers
• Regrets
• 1.0 Opening
• 2.0 Agenda/Meeting
  • 2.01 Adoption of Agenda
  • 2.02 Approval of Minutes
  • 2.03 CDW Record of Decision
  • 2.04 CDW Status Report/Priority List
• 3.0 Parameters: Microbiological
  • 3.01 Bacteriological
  • 3.02 Protozoa
  • 3.03 Viruses
  • 3.04 Other Microbiological
• 4.0 Parameters: Chemical and Radiological
  • 4.01 Radiological
  • 4.02 MCPA
  • 4.03 Corrosion Control
  • 4.04 Benzene
  • 4.05 Fluoride
  • 4.06 Carbon Tetrachloride
  • 4.07 Chlorine
  • 4.08 NDMA
  • 4.09 BDCM
  • 4.10 Other Chemical/Radiological Work/Documents
• 5.0 Old/New Business
  • 5.01 National Drinking Water Conference
  • 5.02 ISO Standard
  • 5.03 Heat Pumps
  • 5.04 Critical Infrastructure Protection (Pandemic Planning)
  • 5.05 Health Canada Web Site Publications
  • 5.06 National Surveys
  • 5.07 PPCP Removal
• 6.0 Secretariat Reports
  • 6.01 Secretariat Reports
  • 6.02 CDW Projects
  • 6.03 CHE Task Group Projects
• 7.0 Committee Liaison Reports
  • 7.01 CHE Report
  • 7.02 CCME Report
  • 7.03 WHO Collaborating Centre
  • 7.04 Provincial-Territorial Subcommittee on Plumbing Codes/Canadian Advisory Committee on Plumbing Report
  • 7.05 Certification Bodies and Material Standards
• 8.0 Members' Reports
• 9.0 Next Meeting
  • 9.01 Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
  • 9.02 Location and Dates of Meetings

Members Present:

• Mr. M. Goebel, Newfoundland and Labrador - Chair
• Mr. B. Boettger, British Columbia - Vice Chair
• Ms. P. Brooks, Yukon
• Mr. S. Deshpande, Ontario
• Mr. D. Fleming, Northwest Territories
• Mr. M.Gignac, Quebec (Alternate)
• Mr. G. Somers, Prince Edward Island
• Ms. K. White, New Brunswick
• Mr. P. Workman, Nunavut
• Dr. J. Cooper, Health Canada
• Mr. D. Spry, Environment Canada
• Mr. K. Chinniah, Alberta
• Mr. S. Ferris, Saskatchewan
• Ms. J. MacDonald, Nova Scotia
• Mr. D. Rocan, Manitoba

Secretariat:

• Mr. R. Carrier, Health Canada
• Mr. D. Green, Health Canada (Secretary)
• Ms. S. McFadyen, Health Canada
• Ms. K. Taracha, Health Canada (FNIHB)
• Ms. M. Giddings, Health Canada
• Ms. F. Lemieux, Health Canada
• Ms. V. Morisset, Health Canada
• Ms. R. Smith, Contractor (Reporter)

Observers/Speakers:

• Mr. D. Ellison, CWWA
• Water Quality Staff, WACCB

Regrets:

• Dr. A. Baweja, Health Canada (ERHD)
• Ms. J. Eastwood, Health Canada (Food)
• Ms. C. Robert, Quebec
• Dr. P. Sockett, Health Canada (PHAC)
• The CHE Liaison Representative
• Mr. W. Fallow, CACP/PTSPC Liaison
• Dr. J. Salminen, Health Canada (Food)

1.0 Opening

The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed everyone to Ottawa for the 42nd meeting of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water. Members and alternates introduced themselves. The Secretary reviewed administrative details and handouts.

Decision/Action:

• Secretary to forward copies of presentations to members and the revised membership list by May 2008
• Members to fill in travel forms and return them to CDW Secretary before July 31, 2008
• Secretary to send final notes to members by June 2008
• Secretary to send final minutes to members and post to website by August 2008

2.0 Agenda/Meeting

2.01 Adoption of Agenda

Minor adjustments were made to the agenda.

Decision/Action:

• Agenda adopted by consensus

2.02 Approval of Minutes

Members' requested changes were made during review process.

Decision/Action:

• Minutes approved by consensus

2.03 CDW Record of Decision

The Record of Decision is a spreadsheet housed on the CDW extranet site for member use.

Decision/Action:

• Members to notify the Secretary of corrections or comments

2.04 CDW Status Report/Priority List

The Secretary reviewed the files handed out. The review of the priority list was done internally. A consultant will be hired for a more substantial review later in the year. Members requested that the notation for approvals be consistent within the table and noted concerns and issues with manganese (new data, treatment issues).

Decision/Action:

• Members approved the priority list
• Secretariat to prepare a revised Status List by May 30, 2008

3.0 Parameters: Microbiological

3.01 Bacteriological

The Secretariat announced a staffing change due to a maternity leave. It then gave updates on the bacteriological guidelines. The guidelines for E.coli, Total Coliforms, and Heterotrophic Plate Counts are in the early stages of literature reviews. The monitoring frequency for microbiological parameters in small systems in particular is being addressed by a working group. Issues to be addressed include whether to publish monitoring frequencies as separate guidance and advice or keep them within the guideline documents; the statistical significance of sampling quotas (QA/QC testing); alternative monitoring options for smaller systems; contact information for regional staff, and the ability of current testing regimes for catching water quality problems. Members discussed the need for advice for semi-public systems (especially tourism accommodations); test kits for very small systems; operational concerns with the test kits; communication of results; cost implications; and credits for systems with chlorine residuals. The working group will collect the information needed to respond to questions.

Decision/Action:

• Minutes from small systems monitoring group to be circulated to CDW members by April 25, 2008

3.02 Protozoa

The Secretariat has received the peer review comments about the protozoa document and reviewed highlights with members. Members raised concerns about the idea of monitoring source water, in terms of whether it is being done as compliance monitoring or for research purposes and what the results might mean. The Secretariat noted that the information gained from source water monitoring is needed to optimize treatment. Members noted that the absence of protozoa during testing does not mean that it isn't present elsewhere in the water and that testing for protozoa is expensive. Members discussed research into the correlation between the presence of E.coli and viruses in water. Members voted to include advice on small systems monitoring frequency in the guideline document.

Decision/Action:

• Secretariat to contact CDW members to find out how many utilities are monitoring for protozoa
• Secretariat to incorporate monitoring advice for small systems into the guideline document
• Once the peer review comments are incorporated, the Secretariat to circulate the document to members

3.03 Viruses

The Secretariat gave an update on the status of the guideline document which has been peer reviewed. Members discussed log reductions for small, reasonably secure systems with not enough disinfectant contact time to achieve 4-log reduction; the calculation for rotavirus; concerns about advising people not to use UV if UV does not treat just one group of viruses; advice in emergency situations; studies looking at virus resistance to chlorination; whether one should be concerned about viruses in the absence of other indicators of microbiological contamination in a groundwater source; and the need to define "secure" groundwater. The Secretariat noted that jurisdictions will make their own decisions about risk related to one group of viruses. Members made specific comments about the document to be addressed by the Secretariat.

Decision/Action:

• Members to submit comments by May 2, 2008
• Secretariat to revise document and tables based on discussion
• Secretariat to send members final document by June 2008
• Members to approve document for a 2 month consultation and provide paragraphs by July 2008

3.04 Other Microbiological

The Secretariat is consulting with colleagues from other countries about the use of the recreational water guideline level in the boil water advisory document. The Secretariat gave an update on other projects such as the Agricultural Policy Framework and the development of the QMRA approach, which includes a basic web interface for running scenarios. Additional funding is needed to make the software more user-friendly.

Decision/Action:

• Secretariat to circulate information to members about partnering on the Web interface for the QMRA model

4.0 Parameters: Chemical and Radiological

4.01 Radiological

The radiological guideline technical document was approved by CDW on April 16, 2008.

Decision/Action:

• CDW-approved guideline technical document to be sent to CHE
• Secretariat to prepare a briefing for CHE approval, by May 16, 2008

4.02 MCPA

The Secretariat gave a presentation on the status of the MCPA document. Members discussed monitoring frequencies; PMRA's proposed MAC; and data requirements.

Decision/Action:

• Secretary to send out the old paragraphs for revision by April 25, 2008
• Members to provide updated paragraphs and approve the document for consultation by May 16, 2008
• Secretariat to make requested changes to the document by June 27, 2008

4.03 Corrosion Control

The Secretariat gave an update on the status of the corrosion control document. Members discussed how to determine whether homes have lead service lines; homeowner concerns; sampling requirements; potential problems with long-term monitoring; the number of sampling sites required; the need for a protocol for determining exposure to lead; communication issues; and the desire to have examples of sampling protocols.

Decision/Action:

• Members to provide Secretariat with comments by May 9, 2008
• Secretariat to work on clarifications to the document and provide members with a revised final draft by May 30, 2008
• Secretariat to produce one or two WaterTalks on what to do, with a focus on small systems and schools, by May 2009

4.04 Benzene

The Secretariat gave an update on the status of the benzene document and a review of the consultation comments. Members discussed monitoring requirements and the removal of endpoints that are not seen in humans.

Decision/Action:

• Secretariat to post a clean version of the document on the CDW extranet site by April 24, 2008
• Ontario and New Brunswick to send in exposure data for their jurisdictions by April 25, 2008
• Secretariat to check reference about smoking
• Members approved the document in principle, with the exception of Quebec which will vote by May 2, 2008
• Secretariat to post final clean version of the document to the CDW Extranet site by May 23, 2008

4.05 Fluoride

The Secretariat gave an update on the fluoride document. The recommendations from the Expert Panel will be posted on Heath Canada's Web site in June 2008. Members discussed the roles of the Chief Dental Officer and the Chief Medical Officers of Health.

Decision/Action:

• Secretariat to provide members with the response to the petition on fluoride by June 2008
• Expert Panel findings and recommendations to be posted on Health Canada's Web site in June 2008
• Secretariat to provide members with first draft of fluoride document by June or July 2008 for review and comment
• Secretariat to provide members with draft consultation document prior to next meeting

4.06 Carbon Tetrachloride

The Secretariat gave an update on the status of the carbon tetrachloride guideline document. Members discussed inconsistencies within the document; the uncertainty factor; current levels of exposure; whether the document should present a guidance value rather than a guideline value; and staggered deadlines for consultations.

Decision/Action:

• Members approved the document for public consultation, with the exception of Quebec which will provide approval by May 23, 2008
• Secretariat to send email requesting impact paragraphs, by May 23, 2008

4.07 Chlorine

The Secretariat updated members on the chlorine guideline, including a review of the comments received during the consultation period. Members discussed the differences between guidance documents and guideline technical documents; wording related to aesthetic concerns and treatment; chlorine residuals; controlling biofilm regrowth; taste and odour complaints; disinfection by-products and the need for a strong statement about the need for chlorine (as primary and secondary disinfectants).

Decision/Action:

• Members approved the document as a Guideline Technical Document, in principle
• Members to provide additional comments by May 9, 2008
• Secretariat to revise the document as discussed and provide a final draft to members by May 30, 2008

4.08 NDMA

The Secretariat gave an update on the NDMA guideline technical document. Members discussed exposure; seasonal variations; sampling frequencies; analytical methods; treatment concerns; and concentrations of NDMA in waste water.

Decision/Action:

• Members recommended the consultation document go ahead with a MAC based on a risk level of 10^-5 (50 ng/L)
• Members to provide Secretariat with laboratory data and information on laboratory capacity by May 16, 2008
• Members asked that laboratory information be provided in the consultation document
• Secretariat to provide members with consultation document by July 2008
• Members to provide approval for consultation, and impact paragraphs, at or before the next meeting (October 2008)

4.09 BDCM

The Secretariat updated members on the BDCM guideline, published in 2006. The guideline needs to be re-evaluated given new research findings. Members discussed potential reproductive effects; the need for an epidemiological study; the cancer endpoint; the need for an interim communication strategy and the possibility of bringing together a group of experts to discuss options.

Decision/Action:

• Members agreed to establish an Expert Group to review the studies and come to consensus, with the participation of members (NS, NL, MB)
• Secretariat to distribute epidemiological studies to members
• Secretariat to provide note on Health Canada Web site indicating that the BDCM guideline is under review
• Secretariat to complete its review and provide recommendations on CDW direction by the next meeting (October 2008)
• Secretariat to prepare Qs and As in line with the recommended action, by the next meeting (October 2008)

4.10 Other Chemical/Radiological Work/Documents

The Secretariat gave updates on the turbidity guideline review. The member from BC discussed turbidity-related activities in BC.

Decision/Action:

• BC report to be circulated to members, once available

5.0 Old/New Business

5.01 National Drinking Water Conference

CWWA gave an update on the 2008 national conference. Members discussed the idea of including a technology demonstration component at the conference.

Decision/Action:

• Members approved the idea in principle of having technology demonstrations in a separate session at the conference

5.02 ISO Standard

CWWA gave an update on the ISO Standard.

Decision/Action:

• For information

5.03 Heat Pumps

The Secretariat gave an update on the heat pump issue. Members discussed a proposed statement about its concerns with heat pumps, additional concerns (security of water supplies, cross-connections; liability; loss of heat in water distribution systems that could lead to pipes freezing) and who should receive the statement. The Canadian Water Network is interested in holding a forum on the topic to identify research needs. The heating industry is interested in putting forward money for research.

Decision/Action:

• Secretariat to send members the electronic version of the paragraphs by April 25, 2008
• Members to submit specific comments and suggested changes by May 16, 2008
• Secretariat to revise the paragraph and send to members for approval, by May 30, 2008
• Members interested in staying informed about CWWA action on this topic to send email to D. Ellison
• Members to distribute final letter to appropriate sister departments
• Secretary to work with BC, NB, PEI to develop issues paper on geothermal wells

5.04 Critical Infrastructure Protection (Pandemic Planning)

The Secretariat noted that the government's critical infrastructure program time frames have been delayed. Environment Canada is the main federal department coordinating water infrastructure.

Decision/Action:

• For information

5.05 Health Canada Web Site Publications

Members discussed concerns about the length of time between guideline approval and publication on the Health Canada Web site. Health Canada recognizes the problem and will work to resolve it.

Decision/Action:

• Due to delays in posting documents, Secretariat to provide a protocol for timelines regarding approvals and posting of documents to the Health Canada Web site, by October 2008

5.06 National Surveys

The Secretariat gave updates on new projects, including a national survey of disinfection by-products and an AWWARF survey on inorganic contaminants in the US and Canada to identify research and communications needs. Members discussed the merits of developing model drinking water regulations which could be used by jurisdictions.

Decision/Action:

5.07 PPCP Removal

CWWA gave an update on the movement by point-of-use and point-of-entry device manufacturers to claim removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Members discussed exposure from involuntary risks and noted that part of the problem with these contaminants is the increasing sensitivity of measurement instruments.

Decision/Action:

• D. Ellison to confirm with each member (via the Secretary) each jurisdiction's reporting obligations for utilities

6.0 Secretariat Reports

6.01 Secretariat Reports

The Secretariat updated members on the programs of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch; the Water, Air and Climate Change Bureau (science, treatment and standards, policy); and Health Canada's research lab.

Decision/Action:

6.02 CDW Projects

Members were updated on a range of projects undertaken by the Water, Air and Climate Change Bureau, including a quick reference table for guidelines, a guidance document on developing a hierarchy for numerical guideline values, a water advisory module, and work on source water indicators.

Decision/Action:

6.03 CHE Task Group Projects

Members were updated on two CHE task group projects: the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality and guidelines for water re-use.

Decision/Action:

7.0 Committee Liaison Reports

7.01 CHE Report

The Secretariat gave an update on CHE activities.

Decision/Action:

• P.Workman to be the CDW-CHE liaison, with the support of the Secretariat

7.02 CCME Report

The liaison gave an update on CCME and Environment Canada initiatives related to water.

Decision/Action:

• For information

7.03 WHO Collaborating Centre

The Secretariat gave a report on the activities of WHO related to drinking water.

Decision/Action:

• For information

7.04 Provincial-Territorial Subcommittee on Plumbing Codes/Canadian Advisory Committee on Plumbing Report

The Secretariat gave a report on the activities of the Subcommittee.

Decision/Action:

• For information

7.05 Certification Bodies and Material Standards

The Secretary provided handouts that show that certification bodies are to liaise with CDW as a regulatory authority.

Decision/Action:

• Members re-affirmed their role as the regulatory body responsible for certification of drinking water materials per SCC's documentation

8.0 Members' Reports

Each jurisdiction provided a report on its program and legislative activities, training and outreach programs, publications and current key issues.

Decision/Action:

• For information

9.0 Next Meeting

9.01 Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Members approved motions for M. Goebel to stay on as Chair and J. MacDonald to become Vice-Chair. The Committee's Terms of Reference will be to be changed so elected terms are "renewable at the Committee's discretion".

• M. Goebel re-elected as Chair, J. MacDonald elected Vice-Chair

9.02 Location and Dates of Meetings

The next meeting will be in the fall in Quebec City. The spring meeting will be held in Charlottetown, PEI, May 6 to 8, 2009. The fall meeting will be held November 4 to 6, 2009, in Ottawa.