Grimsby Water Treatment Plant - 2023 Annual Water Quality Report
This annual water quality report summarizes the quality of drinking water from the Grimsby Water Treatment Plant, drinking water system number 220007150, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.
This report satisfies the requirements of Ontario Regulation 170/03 - Drinking Water Systems.
Description of drinking water system
A conventional surface water treatment plant incorporates the following steps in its purification process:
- Zebra mussel control
- Travelling screens
- Coagulation
- Flocculation
- Sedimentation
- Filtration
- Disinfection
The plant has a rated daily flow capacity of 44,000 m3/day. Primary disinfection is achieved with sodium hypochlorite.
The Grimsby Water Treatment Plant supplies water to the towns of Grimsby (260001851), Lincoln (260004319), and West Lincoln (260002876) in Niagara. The Grimsby Water Treatment Plant is located on Lot 115, Concession1, in North Grimsby.
The water treatment chemicals used over this reporting period are:
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Aluminum Sulphate
Monetary expenses incurred
To ensure safe and efficient operations, the following major repairs or upgrade projects took place:
Water treatment plant infrastructure
- Grimsby system storage - $717,086.16
- Plant upgrade - lane and valve - $67,393.49
- Plant new outfall - $73,489.08
- Plant HVAC upgrades - $91,252.20
- Plant low lift pump - $2,947.80
- Plant expansion - $206,599.24
System infrastructure
- Ontario Street watermain (construction) - $143,000
- High level feeder - $411,014.50
Summary of adverse water quality incidents
The following table summarizes the notices of adverse water quality incidents submitted in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Adverse water quality incidents are reported to the Spills Action Centre and the Medical Officer of Health.
Where there have been no adverse water quality incidents for the reporting period, the table will show "NIL".
| Incident date | Location | Adverse condition | Corrective action | Notice of issue resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 5 | Distribution | Total Coliform of 3 cfu at the Lincoln Booster Pumping Station sample location on Jan. 3. The free chlorine residual at the time of sampling was 1.07 mg/L. |
Resamples were taken at upstream at plant, Lincoln Booster Pumping Station re-sample, Hixon Reservoir Inlet (downstream) |
Jan. 9 |
| Sept. 19 | Distribution | Total Coliform of 1 cfu at the Lincoln Booster Pump Station sample location on Sept. 18t at 8:29 a.m. The free chlorine residual at the time of sampling was 0.96mg/L |
Samples for the purposes of resampling were collected on Sept. 19 at an upstream location (Grimsby Water Treatment Plant treated) at the source location (Lincoln Booster Station) and a downstream location (Hixon Inlet). All results were 0 cfu for total coliforms and E.coli. |
Sept. 23 |
Water quality test results
Reported results that are shown with "ND" (non-detect) instead of a numerical value indicates that the sample result is below the lowest possible detection limit for the parameter.
Microbiological testing
Microbiological testing carried out under Schedule 10 of Ontario Regulation 170/03 - Drinking Water systems, during this reporting period.
| Location | Number of samples | Range of E.Coli or Fecal results (minimum number) -(maximum number) | Range of total Coliform results (minimum number) -(maximum number) | Prescribed standard* | Unit of measure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | 52 | 0 - 2 | 0 - 360 | Not applicable | CFU/100ml |
| Treated | 52 | 0 | 0 | Not detectable | CFU/100ml |
| Distribution | 208 | 0 | 0 | Not detectable | CFU/100ml |
*Prescribed standards are copied from Ontario Regulation 169/03 - Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.
Heterotrophic plate count testing
Heterotrophic plate count testing (HPC) is conducted on some treated and distribution system samples. The heterotrophic plate count test is used as a tool to monitor overall quality, but the results are not indicators of water safety. There is no prescribed standard for heterotrophic plate count.
| Location | Number of samples | Range of HPC results | Unit of measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated | 52 | 0 - 27 | CFU/mL |
| Distribution | 208 | 0 - 12 | CFU/mL |
Operational testing
Operational testing carried out under Schedule 7 of Ontario Regulation 170/03 - Drinking Water Systems, during this reporting period. An analyzer continuously monitors the water treatment process and records results on a predetermined frequency. Where continuous monitors are used, 8760 is reflected as the number of samples.
| Parameter | Number of samples | Range of results (minimum number) - (maximum number) | Unit of measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter turbidity | 8760 | 0 - 0.439 | NTU* |
| Treated chlorine | 8760 | 0.909 - 1.338 | mg/L |
*NTU (nephelometric turbidity units) is a unit that measures the lack of water clarity.
Additional testing
Summary of additional testing and sampling carried out in accordance with the requirement of an approval, order or other legal instrument.
| Date of legal instrument issued | Location: parameter | Date sampled | Result value or range (minimum number) - (maximum number) | Requirement | Unit of measure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Municipal Drinking Water Licence |
Environmental Discharge: Free Chlorine Residual | Weekly (January to December) | 0 - 0.01 | < 0.02 | mg/L |
Municipal Drinking Water Licence |
Environmental Discharge: Total Suspended Solids | Monthly (January to December) |
< 3- 32 | 6 (annual average) | mg/L |
| Municipal Drinking Water Licence Issue 8 Aug. 13, 2021 |
Raw: Microcystin | Weekly (June to October) | ND - 0.00015 | 0.0015* | mg/L |
| Municipal Drinking Water Licence Issue 8 Aug. 13, 2021 |
Treated: Microcystin | Weekly (June to October) | ND | 0.0015* | mg/L |
Inorganic testing
Inorganic parameter testing carried out under Schedule 13 of Ontario Regulation 170/03 - Drinking Water Systems, during this reporting period. Inorganic substances include heavy metals and dissolved minerals that may be present in treated drinking water.
| Parameter | Number of samples | Last sample date | Range of results (minimum number)-(maximum number) | Prescribed standard* | Unit of measure | Exceedance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antimony | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND |
0.006 | mg/L | No |
| Arsenic | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND - 0.001 | 0.01 | mg/L | No |
| Barium | 4 | Nov. 8 | 0.013 - 0.021 | 1.0 | mg/L | No |
| Boron | 4 | Nov. 8 | 0.01 - 0.018 | 5.0 | mg/L | No |
| Cadmium | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.005 | mg/L | No |
| Chromium | 4 | Nov. 8 | < 0.001 - 0.004 | 0.05 | mg/L | No |
| Fluoride | 12 | Dec. 6 | < 0.05 - 0.12 | 1.5 | mg/L | No |
| Mercury | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.001 | mg/L | No |
| Nitrate | 12 | Dec. 6 | 0.2 - 0.48 | 1.0 | mg/L | No |
| Nitrite | 12 | Dec. 6 | ND | 10.0 | mg/L | No |
| Selenium | 4 | Nov. 8 | < 0.0002 - 0.009 | 0.05 | mg/L | No |
| Sodium | 3 | Nov. 8 | 14.0 - 17.9 | 20 | mg/L | Yes |
| Uranium | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.02 | mg/L | No |
*Prescribed standards are copied from Ontario Regulation 169/03 - Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards. The prescribed standard for sodium is copied from Ontario Regulation 170/03 - Drinking Water Systems.
Lead testing
Lead testing carried out under Schedule 15.1 of Ontario Regulation 170/03 - Drinking Water Systems, during this reporting period.
| Location type | Number of samples | Last sample date | Range of lead results (min to max) | Prescribed standard | Unit of measure | Exceedance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treated | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.010 | mg/L | No |
| Distribution | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.010 | mg/L | No |
Organics testing
Organic parameter testing carried out under Schedule 13 of Ontario Regulation 170/03 - Drinking Water Systems, during this reporting period. Trace organic test parameters include: volatile organic substances, pesticides, solvents, dioxins, PCB's, and disinfection by-products.
| Parameter | Number of samples | Last sample date | Range of results (minimum number)-(maximum number) | Prescribed standard* | Unit of measure | Exceedance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene (vinylidene chloride) | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.014 | mg/L | No |
| 1,2-Dichlorobenzene | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.2 | mg/L | No |
| 1,2-Dichloroethane | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.005 | mg/L | No |
| 1,4-Dichlorobenzene | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.005 | mg/L | No |
| 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.1 | mg/L | No |
| 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.005 | mg/L | No |
| 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.01 | mg/L | No |
| 2-4 Dichlorophenol | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.9 | mg/L | No |
| 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.1 | mg/L | No |
| Alachlor | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.005 | mg/L | No |
| Atrazine + N-dealkylated metabolites | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.005 | mg/L | No |
| Azinphos-methyl | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.02 | mg/L | No |
| Benzene | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.001 | mg/L | No |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.00001 | mg/L | No |
| Bromoxynil | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.005 | mg/L | No |
| Carbaryl | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.09 | mg/L | No |
| Carbofuran | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.09 | mg/L | No |
| Carbon tetrachloride | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.002 | mg/L | No |
| Chlorpyrifos | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.09 | mg/L | No |
| Diazinon | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.02 | mg/L | No |
| Dicamba | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.12 | mg/L | No |
| Dichloromethane | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.05 | mg/L | No |
| Diclofop-methyl | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.009 | mg/L | No |
| Dimethoate | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.02 | mg/L | No |
| Diquat | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.07 | mg/L | No |
| Diuron | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.15 | mg/L | No |
| Glyphosate | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.28 | mg/L | No |
| HAA - Distribution (latest running annual average) | 12 | Nov. 8 | 0.018 | <=40 (running annual average) | mg/L | No |
| Malathion | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.19 | mg/L | No |
| Metolachlor | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.05 | mg/L | No |
| Metribuzin | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.08 | mg/L | No |
| Monochlorobenzene | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.08 | mg/L | No |
| Paraquat | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.01 | mg/L | No |
| Pentachlorophenol | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.06 | mg/L | No |
| Phorate | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.002 | mg/L | No |
| Picloram | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.19 | mg/L | No |
| Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.003 | mg/L | No |
| Prometryne | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.001 | mg/L | No |
| Simazine | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.01 | mg/L | No |
| Terbufos | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.001 | mg/L | No |
| Tetrachloroethylene | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.01 | mg/L | No |
| THM - Distribution (latest running annual average) | 12 | Dec. 6 | 0.026 | 0.100 (running annual average) |
mg/L | No |
| Triallate | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.23 | mg/L | No |
| Trichloroethylene | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.005 | mg/L | No |
| Trifluralin | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.045 | mg/L | No |
| Vinyl Chloride | 4 | Nov. 8 | ND | 0.001 | mg/L | No |
*Prescribed standards are copied from Ontario Regulation 169/03 - Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.
Parameters exceeding prescribed half-standard
Sodium - Prescribed standard is 20
| Result value or range (minimum number)-(maximum number) | Date of sample |
|---|---|
| 14.0 - 17.9 mg/L | Feb. 15 |
*Prescribed standards are copied from Ontario Regulation 169/03 - Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards. The prescribed standard for sodium is copied from Ontario Regulation 170/03 - Drinking Water Systems.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
