Water Quality Report
Read the 2023 Annual Water Quality Report.
The Township of Langley has a population of approximately 147,000 people and provides water to an estimated 127,300 residents. Those not serviced by the Township’s water utility typically access water from private or community wells.
Staff responsible for the water system hold a variety of Environmental Operator Certification Program certifications. The Township’s supplied water met requirements set in the British Columbia Drinking Water Protection Regulations and the Health Canada Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ). There was no E. coli detected at any source waters and one sample from Aldergrove Well #4 tested positive for total coliforms. The well was flushed and re-sampled to negative results. Some of the groundwater wells tested high for nitrates and manganese however, due to the blending and treatment at the Aldergrove Water Treatment Plant the water delivered to citizens is within the GCDWQ.
Out of a total of 1,541 water samples taken from the distribution system, zero were positive for E. coli and 18 were positive for total coliforms. Locations positive for total coliforms were communicated to Fraser Health, flushed, and resampled daily until two negative samples were obtained in compliance with the Township’s Water Emergency Response Plan.
The 2023 water quality monitoring results indicate that the water in the Township is potable and safe for public consumption. This report is prepared according to the BC Drinking Water Protection Regulation (section 11) which requires all water suppliers publish an annual water quality report and ensure that the information be made public.
Water quality reports are prepared according to the BC Drinking Water Protection Regulation (Section 11), which requires all water suppliers produce a water quality annual report and must ensure that the information be made public.
Read other Utilities water quality reports (2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014) and Parks water quality reports (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015).
Cross Connection Control Program
A cross connection is any physical connection between a possible source of contamination and any drinking water piping. Backflow is the flow of water in the reverse direction within a piping system. When a cross connection and backflow are combined, the result can be a contaminant entering the water supply piping.
The Township’s Cross Connection Control Program is pro-active and safeguards our drinking water from actual or potential cross connections by tracking backflow preventers, building a strong backflow industry network, incorporating backflow prevention at the design stage of new construction, and promoting safe drinking water practices.
Backflow prevention Backflow device test report
Township contacts
Test reports for new installations or as part of final inspection of the building:
| Building Department |
|---|
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604-533-6018 |
Annual retesting, repairs, test reports, technical or program inquiries:
| Engineering Division |
|---|
| 604-532-7300 backflow@tol.ca |
Frequently asked questions
| Why am I required to test my backflow preventer (DCVA or RPBA) annually? |
| Ensuring safe drinking water is important to health and safety. Annually, a Certified Backflow Preventer Tester performs a test which ensures the check valves close and do not allow any contaminated water to seep through them should water flow backwards. Just like any seal, the check valve seal can wear over time and allow contaminated water to flow into the drinking water system. |
| Who tests backflow preventers? |
| A BC Water and Waste Association Certified Backflow Preventer Tester with a valid Township Business License. The Township rejects test reports from Testers with either a lapsed tester’s certification or Business License. A test tag attached to your backflow preventer may have Tester contact information. |
| What is the difference between a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) and a Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA)? |
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DCVAs are installed to protect against low or moderate hazards where a contaminant or pollutant will be more of a nuisance or aesthetically objectionable. RPBAs are installed to protect against a high risk or probability of a pollutant backflowing into your drinking water at home or at work. At the bottom of the RPBA is a relief valve port which provides a visual sign of a backflow problem by discharging potentially toxic water to the floor drain rather than into the drinking water system. Constant water discharge is a sign to call your plumber. |
| Where are Township Test Reports located? |
| Township Test Reports can be found here. |
| Where do I send test reports? |
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For new backflow preventer installations and as part of final inspection of a building, email Test Report forms to the Building Department at permitsec@tol.ca Forms may also be mailed to the Civic Facility. For annual retesting Test Reports, email forms to backflow@tol.ca with the facility address in the subject line. Forms may also be mailed to the Operations Centre. |
| Why do I send failed test reports to the Township? |
| The Township tracks all test reports, passed and failed. By submitting failed Backflow Preventer Test Reports, the Township’s database is current in case of a backflow incident. Furthermore, the Facility Owner will not receive Overdue Notices but rather Repair Notices. |
| Do I need a plumbing permit to install a backflow preventer? |
| Plumbing permits are required for the installation of all new testable backflow preventers and can be obtained from the Civic Facility, Building Department. Permits are required when installing or altering any equipment and are required prior to starting any work. Plumbing permits are not required for regular testing and maintenance of backflow preventers. |
| Who do I contact regarding annual and overdue test reports, or repairs? |
| Call 604-532-7300 or email backflow@tol.ca. |
| Who do I contact regarding new installations or other technical inquiries? |
| Call 604-532-7300 or email backflow@tol.ca for technical inquiries such as new installations, CSA B64 - selection and installation of backflow preventers, or Water Works Bylaw No. 6074 interpretations. |