March 2003 BCGWA Newsletter President's Report We had another stellar convention in Kelowna in early March. As this year's event was billed as a mini-convention, the turnout as expected was not that high. Although most, if not all of the 70 odd attendees were treated to a great event. We received numerous accolades from members of all the divisions about the excellent trade product talks and the professional speakers subjects. We will definitely look into a much larger presentation of these two information presentations next year at CanWell. Thanks to all of you who attended, that is what supporting our association is all about. And a special big thanks to Joan Perry for all her work and those that assisted her. One aspect of the convention is that it is a good opportunity for the Executive and committees to meet, discuss and make decisions. Currently we have a lot on our plates and lots more to come. CanWell is the big ticket item for us. A full committee has been established and is up and running. This committee is co-chaired by VP Dave Mellis and Past Pres. Jim Fyfe. Other members include Joan Perry, Exec. Assistant, Tim Running handling the M&S stuff, Gilles Wendling, speakers, Remi Allard, entertainment and golf and all the other directors including myself. We are going to run this show entirely with volunteer help so any one else out there who wants to pitch in give Dave a call. Joan will be getting an assistant and Dave Mellis' company will supply staff support. A personal highlight for me, was the presentation of a plaque to Alan Kohut on his up coming retirement. Al is a person that has played an instrumental part in shaping our association, a trusted link with the provincial government, and a staunch supporter for almost 30 years. Thanks Al, we appreciate all you have done. The other hot item is the offer from the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection to form a partnership with our association to handle several aspects of training drillers and pump installers from the courses at Red Deer College to up grading workshops for those in our trades. Also they want us to look at handling the information sessions that will follow the upcoming regulations and code of practice, to familiarize our industry with the new regulations and their implementation. We will also be working with the BC Water and Waste Association on training programs and information workshops. A new relationship that I personally think is long overdue. So we have lots on our plates this next year and potentially a new direction for our association as we are being given the opportunity to be fully involved in the shaping of our soon to be regulated industry, for the better I might add. Have a prosperous summer, Bruce Ingimundson President, BCGWA Membership Changes Welcome new members Contractor Members: Aqua Tech Services 5806 Farmers Drive Kelowna, B. C. V1P 1A3 Ph: 250-765-4730 Fax: 250-765-5801 Clearwater Drilling Inc. P.O. Box 6694 Fort St. John, B. C. V1J 4J2 Ph: 250-785-6818 Fax: 250-785-6825 Rep: Jerry Heal M&S Members: ABCO International Inc. 3900 P.V. Road Vernon, B. C. V1T 4L9 Ph: 250-545-7372 Fax: 250-558-4232 Rep: Bob Flinn Corestock Supply Ltd. 229 Ongman Road Prince George, B. C. V2K 4K9 Ph: 250-564-3001 Fax: 250-564-3020 Rep: Terry Tregarthen Marwyn Sales & Supplies (1983) 2004 Alyth Place S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2G 3K9 Ph: 403-269-8212 Fax: 403-265-6808 Rep: Chad Houghton Mearl's Machine Works Ltd. 1146 Richter Street Kelowna, B. C. V1Y 2K7 Ph: 250-763-0109 Fax: 250-763-5894 Rep: Greg Anderson UV Pure Technologies Inc. Suite 1-433 King Edward Avenue East Vancouver, B. C. V5V 2C6 Ph: 604-320-0605 Fax: 604-324-8954 Rep: Kerry Ann Sheehan Variperm Canada Ltd. #10, 3424-26 Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T1Y 4T7 Ph: 403-250-7263 Fax: 403-250-9695 Rep: Kelly Nurcombe Membership changes Anderson Water Wells is now Anderson Air Drilling Ltd. 9415-81 Avenue Fort St. John, B. C. V1J 6P6 Ph: 250-785-3598 Fax: 250-785-9106 Rep: Simon Wolford, Drilling Manager Atlas Manufacturing Ltd. Fax: 250-337-5136 Butch's Pumps 6729 Hwy #97 100 Mile House, B. C. V0K 2E2 Marshall Greenwell 5463 Derby Road Sechelt, B. C. V0N 3A7 Norwest Labs Environmental Sales 104, 19575-55A Avenue Surrey, B. C. V3S 8P8 Ph: 604-514-3322 Ext. 624 Fax: 604-514-3323 Rep: Marla Price Rice Engineering & Operating Ltd. 4511 Manhattan Road SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 4B3 Contact: Mike Kleespies For Sale Water Tank 20' flatbed - 1400 gallon water tank, 1/4" perimeter wall construction with plastic paint inside tank (18" deep, 8' wide, 20' long) 4 under deck tool boxes Screen storage box at front of deck $15,000.00 + GST For more information please contact: Dan at DAN-GARE DRILLING LTD. Phone: 250-546-3480 evenings. Aquifer Recharge and Safe Yield By Gilles Wendling, Ph.D., P.Eng. Director, BCGWA Technical and Professional Division How much can we safely extract from an aquifer? Will a series of dry years reduce what should be extracted? These are very important questions that hydrogeologists have to answer. This article presents excerpts of a key technical paper presented in Groundwater by John D. Bredehoft. Introduction The idea persists within the ground water community that if one can determine the recharge to an aquifer system then one can determine the maximum magnitude of a sustainable development. One commonly hears the statement, "the pumping must not exceed the recharge (if the development is to be sustainable)." The idea that the recharge (by which one usually means the virgin recharge before development) is important in determining the magnitude of sustainable development is a myth. However, it is so ingrained in the community's collective thinking that nothing seems to derail it. The recharge and the discharge are the inputs and outputs from a ground water system. Both quantities are important in understanding how a particular ground water system functions. The focus of this article is to discuss how recharge and discharge enter into the determination of the sustainable yield of a ground water system. The Water Budget To illustrate the basic premise, let us consider a simple aquifer system. A permeable alluvial aquifer underlies a circular island in a fresh water lake. Our intent is to develop a well in the island. The island aquifer is shown schematically in various stages of development in Figure 1. Before development, recharge from rainfall creates a water table. The recharge over the island is balanced by discharge from the permeable aquifer directly to the lake (Figure 1 - top cross section). A water table develops on the island in response to the distribution of recharge and discharge and the transmissivity of the alluvial aquifer (Figure 1 - top cross section). When we start to pump, a cone of depression is created. Figure 1 (second cross section) shows the cone of depression at an early stage in development of our island aquifer. The natural discharge from the island does not start to change until the cone of depression changes the slope in the water table at the shore of the island. Until the slope of the water table at the shoreline is changed by the pumping, the natural discharge continues at its virgin rate. Until the point in time that the cone reaches the shore and changes the water table gradient significantly, all water pumped from the well is supplied totally from storage in the aquifer. In other words, the cone of depression must reach the shoreline before the natural discharge is impacted (Figure 1 - third cross section). The rate at which the cone of depression develops, reaches the shoreline, and then changes the slope of the water table there depends on the dynamics of the aquifer system - transmissivity, storativity (or specific yield), and boundary conditions. The rate of capture in a ground water system is a problem in the dynamics of the system. Traditionally the capture attributable to the pumping is defined by the sum of the change in recharge and the change in discharge caused by the pumping. Capture has nothing to do with the virgin rate of recharge; the recharge is irrelevant in determining the rate of capture. Figure 1 (third cross section) shows the water table in our island aquifer at a point on time when the natural discharge is almost eliminated; the slope of the water table is almost flat at the shoreline. We deliberately created an aquifer system in which one can induce water flow from the lake into the aquifer (Figure 1 - fourth cross section). In this instance, the sustainable development can exceed the virgin recharge (or the virgin discharge). This again suggests that the recharge is not a relevant input in determining the magnitude of a sustainable development. Often the geometry of the aquifer restricts the capture. For example, were the aquifer on the island to be thin, we might run out of water at the pump long before we could capture any fraction of the discharge. In this case all water pumped would come from storage. It would be "mined." In the island example, with a thin aquifer, the well could run dry before it could impact the discharge at the shoreline. Notice in Figure 1 (fourth cross section) that we have drawn the situation where the drawdown reached the bottom of the aquifer; the aquifer geometry and diffusivity limit the potential drawdown at the well. This again points out that the dynamic response of the aquifer system is all-important to determining the impacts of development. It is for these reasons that hydrogeologists are concerned with the dynamics of aquifer system response. Hydrogeologists model aquifers in an attempt to understand their dynamics. Clearly, the circular island aquifer is a simple system. Even so, the principles explained in terms of this simple aquifer system apply to all groundwater systems. It is the dynamics of how capture takes place (i.e. sum of the change in recharge and change in discharge) in an aquifer that ultimately determines how large a sustainable groundwater development can be, and not recharge by itself. ****** PSI TRAINING PSI Pump Systems Inc. of Langley, B.C., once again, held a successful seminar for its customers. Participants gathered at the Granville Island Hotel from all over British Columbia on Wednesday, February 19 in preparation for the water treatment seminar to begin the next day. The first two days was the kick-off for the Autotrol World Tour with residential instructor Terry Heckman of Osmonics, commercial instructor Mike Glodowski of Osmonics and Craig Dickson of US Filter. The three instructors shared their expertise on reverse osmosis, softeners and iron filters beginning with a section on water testing in which a sample of the hotel water was tested. Hands-on valve repair and programming was enjoyed by all in the group. Day three was an intensive and quick review of the topics to be covered by the Pump Technician Certification exams for Class 1 and 2 held at the B.C. Groundwater Association's annual convention in early March. Led by Dave Mellis, President of PSI, the group was challenged to calculations for NPSH, brake horsepower, TDH and pump and wire sizing, as well as a review on the different types of wells and pumps. After long days in the classroom, all were ready for a break. A hospitality suite in the penthouse of the Granville Island Hotel was open each evening for snacks, beverages, networking and door prizes. Many attended the New Revue Stage taking part in their show: "Impro-Vivor - Win, Lose or Thai" a take-off from the television program Survivor in which the Vancouver Theatresports League performed challenges of improv comedy in order to gain immunity and not be voted off the "Island". The loudest groups in the audience chose the professions of each contestant, but unfortunately, "Pete The Plumber" was voted off at an early stage in the game. A successful three-day event, the opinion held by the participants was that it was not long enough! And again, the same problem arose as in previous seminars - a broad range of abilities to instruct. Those of you who have attended one of our seminars in the past and have found this frustrating will be happy to know that this problem has been addressed for future seminars. Watch for new course offerings coming to you in the Fall of 2003 and the Spring of 2004. Karen Brinson, PSI Pump Systems Inc. 1(800)900-2220 ****** Dues Reminder This is just a friendly reminder that your membership dues are now due and payable. The new membership booklets and membership cards will be mailed out in June. Ultraviolet for Pool Water Treatment Ultraviolet disinfection in swimming pools is an emerging market. In the past, it gained a somewhat tarnished reputation because it was badly maintained and wrongly sized in many installations. However, UV is starting to emerge as a very competent piece of equipment for treating water safely and effectively. The main reason UV is growing is that when used in conjunction with chlorine in the pool, it can lower the chlorine doses by between 75 and 95 per cent. It also destroys chloramines, which give pool occupants red eyes, and create the familiar smell in the pool atmosphere. UV also makes for a clean, fresh-smelling pool with high-clarity water. (WT magazine) Water Quality, Communique ****** Overflow A moose bathing in the town water has prompted a boil-water advisory on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula. The mammal broke through the roof of the town reservoir in Cow Head earlier and was seen in the water. The town was waiting for test results to determine if the water was safe to drink. Until then, residents were being warned to boil their water before drinking it. ****** Water Quality This is the start of an information series of pamphlets which have been sent to us from the MWLAP. There are 7 pages in the series and they will be added into the next Newsletters one page at a time. The first article is on Arsenic in Groundwater. If you would like to receive all of the pages at once, please call the office and the booklet will be sent you. The other topics deal with Flouride, Hardness, Iron & Manganese, Nitrate, Sodium, and Total and Faecal Coliform Bacteria in Groundwater Carlin Wisdom George Carlin Post 9-11 (His wife recently died...) Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - gross and mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent and so very appropriate post 9-11? A wonderful message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say. "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. ****** How to Survive a Heart Attack When Alone Many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack. Without help, the person whose heart stops beating properly and who begins to feel faint, has only about10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let up until help arrives, or until the heart begins beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it to regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital. From Health Cares, Rochester General Hospital Fall 2002/B.C. & Yukon Territory Building & Construction Trades Council Tradetalk ****** Advertising If you wish to advertise in this quarterly newsletter please contact the office by the end of the previous month. The advertising costs are $25.00 for 1/4 page, $45.00 for1/2 page and $90.00 for a full page ad. Water Use in the Home: -Showers and baths - 35% -Toilet flushing - 30% -Laundry - 20% -Kitchen and drinking - 10% -Cleaning - 5% A Sampling of Water Quantity Facts - In developing nations, 80% of diseases are water-related. - Of all Canadians, 26% rely on groundwater for domestic use. - One drop of oil can render up to 25 litres of water unfit for drinking. - gram of 2,4-D (a common household herbicide) can contaminate 10 million litres of drinking water. - One gram of PCBs can make up to one billion litres of water unsuitable for freshwater aquatic life. - Methane gas can often be seen bubbling up from the bottom of ponds; it is produced by the decomposition of dead plants and animals in the mud. - Approximately 57% of Canadians are served by wastewater treatment plants, compared with 74% Americans, 86.5% of Germans, and 99% of Swedes. What happens when a WCB officer visits my workplace? When WCB Prevention officers turn up at your work site, they are there to ensure a safe and healthy workplace by providing education and consultation as well as checking for compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Officers will turn up without notice, unless invited by the employer. As an officer goes through the site, notes and photographs may be taken and these are used in the inspection report. On arrival, an officer will usually begin by finding the most senior person on site. However, if there is an imminent hazard, dealing with that hazard is the first priority. Normally, the foreman or supervisor would accompany the officer as he or she walks around the site. At larger sites, a worker representative will join the walk-through. At smaller sites, officers often talk to workers as they encounter them. The first thing an officer will check is first aid - is there someone qualified to administer first aid on site and is there an appropriate first aid kit? An officer will also be looking for personal protective equipment such as hard hats, safety boots, and safety glasses. As well, guardrails, railings, secured ladders, safe passageways, and fall protection are reviewed and safe work procedures are checked, especially for mobile equipment. If the officer is conducting a complete inspection, he or she tries to cover the entire site. If something major is going on at the site, or if the Board's presence has been requested in response to a specific complaint, all the places on the site may not be covered. At the end of the inspection, the officer will return to the vehicle, and will prepare the inspection report, which is given to the supervisor on site. Employers are required to post a copy of that report for seven days. If the officer has found no infractions or contravention of the Regulation or the Act, a "clean sheet" inspection report is issued. If problems have been observed, the officer issues an order or orders to ensure the unsafe conditions are corrected and also to ensure the Board is notified when that has happened. Whenever possible, officers will present their reports to the employer or their designate on site that same day. Don Nelson, manager, WCB Industry Services, Worksafe ****** Petro-Canada Agreement Please read the attached letter which explains the new agreement with CGWA and Petro-Can. A motion was made at the AGM that the BCGWA members agree to designate $.01 of the rebate to the CGWA and $.01 of the rebate to the BCGWA. Canwell 2004 Plans for Canwell are well on their way with meetings being held and everybody putting their heads together to try and come up with ideas for this huge event. The committee can always use more help so if you have any extra time on your hands please call the office or your area Director and volunteer or even just send in some of your ideas. We want to make this the best event we possibly can so we all have to pitch in. There is lots to do! To promote Canwell, a group went down in December to the National Ground Water Association and hosted a booth. There was plenty of interest shown so hopefully some of our American friends will come North for our event. ****** Coming Events Alberta Water Well Drilling Association Convention, Edmonton, Alberta April 10-12, 2003 Ph: 780-386-2335 Ontario Ground Water Convention & Trade Show at Sir Sanford Fleming College Campus Lindsay, Ontario April 11 & 12, 2003 Contact the OGWA Office at 519-847-5717 Can'Well 2004 Kelowna, B. C. April 21 - 24, 2004 Ph: 604-530-8934