Title

Monitoring the biological stability of drinking water in drinking water distribution systems

Abstract

The drinking water distribution system is the last protective barrier before the consumers' tap. A well-maintained and operated distribution system is therefore a critical component of providing safe drinking water. This webinar will present information included in a new guidance document prepared by Health Canada in collaboration with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water. Information to be covered includes: the direct and indirect health effects of water quality deterioration in the distribution system; factors that contribute to water quality deterioration; monitoring methods or parameters that are available to determine if water quality changes are occurring; and strategies that can be used to manage these changes. Practical applications of the suggested guidance will also be presented by two municipalities.  

Who should attend

Representatives of federal, provincial and territorial environment and health agencies, local governments, drinking water suppliers, consultants, equipment suppliers, laboratory staff and other stakeholders interested in learning about drinking water distribution system biostability.

Speakers

Diane Medeiros, M.Sc.  ̶   Senior Evaluator, Health Canada

Diane has been working as a senior evaluator in the Water and Air Quality Bureau of Health Canada since 2002. Diane’s primary role is to assess the human health risks from microbiological contaminants in drinking water in support of the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. She has worked on several guidelines, including enteric protozoa and viruses, total coliforms and heterotrophic plate counts (HPC). Prior to joining the Water and Air Quality Bureau, Diane worked on methods development for detection and characterization of Listeria and Campylobacter spp. in foods.

Judy MacDonald, P. Eng. – Water Quality Engineer, Health Canada

Judy joined Health Canada as a Water Quality Engineer in November 2013. She has worked on several Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, including bromate, enteric protozoa and viruses, natural organic matter and aluminum. Prior to joining Health Canada, Judy was the Supervisor of the Drinking Water Program for Nova Scotia where she was responsible for program standards, regulations and technical support to the Compliance Division. She was also an intervenor in the Walkerton Inquiry. Prior to moving to Nova Scotia, Judy worked for the Regional Municipality of Halton and a consulting company in the Greater Toronto Area.    

Laura Meteer – Water Quality Analyst, Operations, Maintenance and Monitoring Branch at York Region

Laura has been the Water Quality Analyst for the Operations, Maintenance and Monitoring Branch at York Region since 2006. She helps to manage water quality issues and optimize treatment processes. She also leads and participates in projects, and pursues research and innovation opportunities. Laura is very active in the industry as a member of the American Water Works Association’s Water Quality Distribution Committee and the Ontario Water Works Association’s Distribution Committee.

Marie-Claude Besner, ing., Ph.D. - Engineer, Service de l’eau / City of Montreal

Dr. Marie-Claude Besner has worked as an engineer for the Service de l’eau at the City of Montreal since 2013. She specializes in research and development, and risk analysis. She holds a bachelor degree in civil engineering from McGill University and master’s and doctoral degrees from École Polytechnique de Montréal. For two years, she was an ORISE Post-Doctoral Fellow at the USEPA (Washington, DC), where she was involved in defining research needs to better assess public health risks associated with water quality degradation in distribution systems. She previously worked at École Polytechnique as a researcher and her work has been published in several journals, including Water Research, Environmental Science and Technology and Journal of the American Water Works Association. In 2015, she was recognized as an expert in water quality by the City of Montreal’s program for recognition of expertise of scientific employees. In 2019, she received the George Warren Fuller Award for the Quebec section of American Water Works Association.

How to register

https://www.hcwaterquality.ca/en/virtual-library-search?product_id=12