In February 2020, Corix completed the Panorama Ground Source Development Project—a significant upgrade to the drinking water system at Panorama.
The Project entailed the switching of Panorama’s potable water source from surface (Taynton Creek) to ground (50 m bore wells), in addition to several other system upgrades. This addressed several issues.
- Source Insecurity – The Taynton Creek water intake was at risk of damage from debris torrents.
- Seasonal Turbidity – The surface source was subject to elevated turbidity during spring freshet, which resulted in Water Quality and Boil Water advisories.
- Treatment – The implementation of primary AND secondary treatment for disinfection (chlorine injection and ultraviolet light exposure) to meet Canada Drinking Water Guidelines .
- Storage – Increased reservoir capacity to provide adequate capacity for fire protection.
Before the Project was begun, Corix received authorization from the Interior Health Authority with respect to the potability of water sourced from the new wells. We also received permission to proceed with the Project from the BC Water Comptroller, as it was deemed in the public interest.
Water hardness is normally expressed as the concentration of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). The concentration of CaCO3 from Taynton Creek was 205 mg/L. The concentration of CaCO3 from the new, well sourced water is 298 mg/L. Both previous and current water sources are considered “Hard”.
According to Health Canada, elevated levels of CaCO3 are not harmful to human health, and it does not elevate the water’s corrosivity, but it can result in:
- Incrustation on kitchen utensils washed in an automatic dishwasher.
- Scaling on heating elements in kettles and coffee makers.
- Reduced lifespan of hot water heaters, boilers, and appliances that heat/boil water.
Water Hardness Solutions – Residential
- There are many water softening treatment solutions available. Your plumbing contractor can recommend a system that is appropriate to your household. It’s recommended that a separate unsoftened water supply be retained for drinking and culinary purposes.
- Most hot water heaters have a lifespan of ten years. Check the age of yours and see if it’s time to take preventive measures and replace it before it fails. Your home insurance may also require replacement every ten years, so check your policy.
Water Hardness Solutions – Commercial & Strata Councils
- Before purchasing any mechanical or plumbing equipment (upgrades AND replacements), share the Panorama Water Analysis with your mechanical contractor or equipment vendor, to ensure the equipment will perform as expected with this level of water hardness.
- Ensure your mechanical contractor is aware Panorama water is considered “hard”, with a CaCO3 concentration of 298 mg/L.
More Information
Should you have questions or concerns, please contact Corix Customer Care at customercare@corix.com or 1.877.788.7277 (M-F, 9 AM to 6 PM) or your local Operations Manager:
Andrew Cradduck
East Kootenay Operations Manager
250.341.8102
andrew.cradduck@corix.com
Please note our local office is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.