map of plume – 2016 map of the Plume.
Beckwith Water Supply Program
Beckwith is a largely rural municipality entirely dependent on private individual groundwater supply wells. In March 2000, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in some private water wells in the Black’s Corners community. The source on the impact was attributed to a former landfill site used between 1968 and 1973, and a privately owned scrap yard. The area affected by the VOC groundwater impact was defined as the Beckwith Water Supply Program Implementation Area (map). The area is approximately 9 kilometres in length and 5 kilometres in maximum width.
In April 2004, Beckwith developed a strategy for the implementation of the preferred solution for the provision of potable water to the affected area, and requested funding from the Province in support of the installation of individual treatment systems. Domestic water treatment equipment has been installed voluntarily in homes within the area in 2008. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters have been installed for treatment of VOCs. Periodic monitoring of the mid-point between the two GAC filters is required to determine when the GAC media in the first filter requires disposal and replacement with new media (“re-bedding”) and to confirm that no VOCs are detectable as per the Ontario Safe Drinking Water Standard.
The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) conducts a separate annual groundwater sampling program of the plume boundary. The MOECC report indicates, “The volatile organic compound plume condition is best described as steady state (not shrinking, not expanding).”
Water Supply Program Fee
All voluntary participants in the Program are charged a yearly program fee. The cost of the monitoring and rebedding service to be provided under the Program and the fee charged to participants reflects the following cost elements:
• labour and expenses for sampling;
• analytical services (private lab);
• replacement carbon for GAC rebedding; and
• program administration.
The annual fee of $50 is included on the final property tax bill as a separate charge.
With the exception of GAC re-bedding, property owners are responsible for the operating and maintaining all treatment equipment including supply of replacement media and parts if necessary (i.e. softener salt, UV bulbs, cartridge filters, etc.). (Note: The program does not address other potential water quality problems including but not limited to nitrate, hardness, sulphur, sodium, odours, bacteria (in raw water), iron, iron bacteria. Tannins and lignins, colour, etc.)
For property owner’s convenience replacement parts are available at the Municipal Township Office, 2022 Beckwith Park Lane, for purchase during normal business hours:
5 Micron -Pure Filters
Trojan UV Max Lamp
Trojan UV Mac Sleeve
Hallet 15xs UV Lamp
Hallet 15xs Sleeve
Please call the office at 613-257-1539 for more information and prices.
