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Q-2, r. 40 - Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water
Schedule
Disposition versions
SCHEDULE 4
(s. 30)
STANDARDS OF COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF WATER SAMPLES
TITLE I
STANDARDS OF COLLECTION OF SAMPLES
CHAPTER I
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES OTHER THAN RAW WATER
DIVISION I
GENERAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL COLLECTIONS OF SAMPLES OF WATER INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
(1) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects samples of water intended for human consumption must
(1) wash and dry their hands before collecting any sample;
(2) subject to sections 2 to 7 of this Schedule, collect the sample in a place representative of the quality of the water of the distribution system located at the centre of the distribution facility;
(3) collect the sample from a tap that is accessible to users or from a tap intended for sampling;
(4) collect the sample from a tap located inside a building or in a location protected from wind and bad weather;
(5) collect the sample from a tap that is not connected to an individual treatment appliance or system, except if that appliance is installed in each building in accordance with section 9.1 of this Regulation, in which case the sample must be collected from a tap downstream of the treatment;
(6) use only sampling containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister, except in the case of a measurement of residual chlorine or pH performed on the premises;
(7) collect the sample from the cold water tap by ensuring that the hot water tap is kept closed during sampling;
(8) let the tap run on moderate pressure for at least 5 minutes before collecting a sample; where the tap used has a valve that controls both cold and hot water, first let the hot water run for at least 2 minutes before letting the cold water run;
(9) carefully and tightly seal containers after sampling.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) use outside taps that are used to connect watering hoses;
(2) use mixing valves that provide controlled water temperature;
(3) let water overflow the container used for sampling;
(4) rinse containers provided by a laboratory before sampling;
(5) use metal sampling devices if the sampling is intended for metal analyses.
DIVISION II
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR A MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
(2) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples intended for a microbiological analysis must
(1) remove any accessory of the spout used for sampling, such as a vent, screen or rose head. If it cannot be removed, the sampling must be done from another tap that does not have such an accessory or whose accessory has been removed;
(2) clean the outside and inside of the spout using a single-use piece of paper or absorbent textile with commercial bleach;
(3) collect, after letting the tap run in the manner provided for in subparagraph 8 of the first paragraph of section 1 of this Schedule, samples in sterile containers, provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister, leaving an empty space of at least 2.5 cm between the surface of the liquid and the lid;
(4) make sure not to contaminate the container’s neck or lid during handling and minimize exposure of the container to open air during sampling.
DIVISION III
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR THE ANALYSIS OF LEAD AND COPPER
(2.1) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples intended for the analysis of lead or copper must, after letting the tap run in the manner provided for in subparagraph 8 of the first paragraph of section 1 of this Schedule,
(1) let the water stagnate for 30 minutes in the piping, taking the necessary precautions to prevent the water from being used elsewhere in the building;
(2) collect the first litre of water from the tap after the 30 minutes of stagnation.
The following precautions must be taken during sampling:
— if a tap has a vent, screen or rose head, it should not be removed;
— if possible, the samples must be collected from the cold water tap in the kitchen or the cold water tap most frequently used to supply drinking water.
(3) The water samples provided for in section 14.1, to control lead and copper, must be collected in accordance with the following standards:
(1) the samples must be collected from the tap of a single-family dwelling or a residential building with less than 8 dwellings where piping or the service entrance is manufactured in lead or likely to be in lead;
(2) where all the buildings or dwellings referred to in paragraph 1 were sampled in the last 5 years or where no such building or dwelling may be located, the samples must then be collected from the tap of residential buildings whose piping has lead solders or is likely to contain such metal;
(3) where the distribution system serves educational institutions or health and social services institutions providing services to children 6 years of age or under, those institutions must be included in the sampling sites referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2. The samplings must be collected in accordance with the following:
— at least one of the samples provided for in section 14.1 must be collected in such an institution;
— no additional samples may be collected if such institutions have more than 10% of the samples provided for in section 14.1;
— despite the preceding requirements, each institution must not be sampled more than once every 5 years.
(4) The samples collected pursuant to section 14.1 must be collected at various civic addresses from year to year if their number so allows. A single sample must be collected per residence or institution.
DIVISION IV
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
(5) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples intended for the analysis of organic substances must
(1) collect samples in containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister by filling them to the brim;
(2) store samples away from light;
(3) except for haloacetic acids, perform the sampling in a site at the end of the distribution system.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) smoke while collecting or transporting samples;
(2) use an insect repellent product;
(3) perform samplings immediately after handling fuel;
(4) collect water samples in a bathroom that may contain chemical deodorants whose composition is identical to an organic compound that is being measured.
(6) When collecting samples intended for the analysis of a parameter provided for in the “Other organic substances” division of the table relating to the preservation standards of organic substances, the sample collector must remove the lid from the control container, commonly called “field blank”, which accompanies the container used for collecting samples. The control container and the sampling container must remain open for an equal time.
During that time, the sterile water content of the control container must not be changed or altered. Once their lid is back into place, the sampling container and the control are sent together to the analytical laboratory.
DIVISION V
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES FROM A TANK TRUCK
(7) Where water samples from a tank truck are collected in a site located at the 55th parallel or further south, the samples must be collected at the outlet of the tank. Where the samples are collected in a site located north of the 55th parallel, the samples must be collected at the outlet of the tank where the tank truck is supplied with water.
DIVISION VI
STANDARD APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED TO CHECK THE RETURN TO COMPLIANCE FOLLOWING AN EXCEEDANCE OF STANDARDS
(8) Where water samples are collected for the purpose of checking the return of the water to compliance with a microbiological standard, no sample may be collected before at least 48 hours have elapsed after raw water has been disinfected or the distribution facility has been superchlorinated.
DIVISION VII
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ANALYSES OF PH AND RESIDUAL CHLORINE PERFORMED BY THE SAMPLE COLLECTOR ON THE TREATED SAMPLING SITE
(9) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples to measure the pH or residual chlorine rate must
(1) prepare sampling containers so as to be free of any contaminant;
(2) perform the required measurement on the actual premises of the sampling and immediately before or after the sampling intended to be analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the Minister;
(3) perform the required measurement using an appliance offering an appropriate precision level, in accordance with section 32 of this Regulation.
In addition, no sample collector may use, for the purposes of these measurements, containers intended for sampling for microbiological analysis purposes likely to contain sodium thiosulfate.
CHAPTER II
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL RAW WATER SAMPLES
DIVISION I
GENERAL STANDARDS
(10) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of the provisions concerning the quality of raw water, collects raw water samples must
(1) use a tap located inside a building or in a location protected from wind and bad weather;
(2) use only sampling containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister;
(3) carefully and tightly seal containers after sampling.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) rinse containers provided by a laboratory before sampling;
(2) let water overflow the container used for sampling.
DIVISION II
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO RAW WATER SAMPLES FROM A GROUNDWATER CATCHMENT
(11) Where raw water originates from groundwater, the sample collector must
(1) collect the sample from the raw water tap closest to the well-head;
(2) prior to sampling, let the water run long enough to empty the tap run;
(3) collect the sample when the well pump is operating;
(4) in the case of a sample required following an exceedance of microbiological standard in the distribution facility, collect the sample prior to any clean-up or disinfection procedure of the well.
TITLE II
STANDARDS OF SAMPLE PRESERVATION METHODS
(12) Every person who collects water samples within the scope of this Regulation must ensure that the water samples are preserved for analysis purposes. For that purpose, the person must
(1) carefully pack containers used for sampling to avoid accidental breakage or leakage;
(2) use a cooler adequately insulated with appropriate cooling agents to ship samples.
Except where samples intended for the analysis of a parameter for which a provision of one of the following tables provides a preservation period at a temperature of -20 ºC, the sample collector may not at any time freeze samples or use cooling means likely to cause the freezing of samples during shipping.
In addition, the sample collector must, according to the parameter provided for in the following tables, ensure that the samples are treated using a preservative and according to the concentration indicated for that parameter. The samples thus treated must be kept in a container of the type indicated in the tables. The sample collector must also ensure that the period between the sampling and its analysis does not exceed the period referred to in the tables for those parameters.
Preservation standards of microbiological parameters
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
- Fecal coliform and
Escherichia coli
PS
- Total coliform TS or 48 hours
VS
- Enterococci
- F-specific
coliphage viruses
Preservation standards of inorganic substances
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
Antimony AN P or V 180 days
Arsenic AN P or V 180 days
Barium AN P or V 180 days
Boron AN P 180 days
Bromates EDA P 28 days
Cadmium AN P or V 180 days
Chlorates EDA P 28 days
Chlorites EDA PO 14 days
Chromium AN P or V 180 days
Copper AN P or V 180 days
Cyanides NaOH P or V 14 days
Fluorides N P 28 days
Free residual
chlorine N P or V 15 minutes
Lead AN P or V 180 days
Mercury AC or AN P or V 28 days
Phosphorus AS P 28 days
Nitrates and nitrites
(expressed as N) AS P or V 28 days
Nitrites N P or V 48 hours
pH N P or V 15 minutes
Selenium AN P or V 180 days
Temperature N P or V 15 minutes
Total residual chlorine N P or V 15 minutes
Turbidity N P or V 48 hours
Uranium AN P or V 180 days
Preservation standards of organic substances
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
PESTICIDES
Aldicarb and its
metabolites TS P 7 days
Aldrin and dieldrin N PY 7 days
Atrazine and its
metabolites N PY 7 days
Azinphos-methyl N PY 7 days
Bendiocarb N PY 7 days
Bromoxynil AS VT 21 days
Carbaryl N PY 7 days
Carbofuran N PY 7 days
(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)
acetic acid, also referred
to as MCPA AS VT 21 days
Chlorpyriphos N PY 7 days
Cyanazine N PY 7 days
Diazinon N PY 7 days
Dicamba AS VT 21 days
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic
acid, also referred to as
2,4-D AS VT 21 days
Diclofop-methyl AS VT 21 days
Dimethoate N PY 7 days
Dinoseb AS VT 21 days
Diquat N P 7 days (3)
Diuron N PY 7 days
Glyphosate TS P 14 days (3)
Malathion N PY 7 days
Metholachlor N PY 7 days
Methoxychlor N PY 7 days
Metribuzin N PY 7 days
Paraquat (in dichlorides) N P 7 days (3)
Parathion N PY 7 days
Phorate N PY 7 days
Picloram AS VT 21 days
Simazine N PY 7 days
Terbufos N PY 7 days
Trifluralin N PY 7 days
OTHER ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
Benzene TSS VI 7 days
Benzo (a) pyrene AS VAT 7 days
Carbon tetrachloride TSS VI 7 days
1,2-dichlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
1,4-dichlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
1,2-dichloroethane TSS VI 7 days
1,1-dichloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
Dichloromethane TSS VI 7 days
2,4-dichlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Microcystins (expressed
as microcystin-LR
toxic equivalents) TS-1 VT 7 days
Monochlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
Nitrilotriacetic
acid (NTA) N P 7 days
Pentachlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Tetrachloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Trichloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
2,4,6-trichlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Vinyl chloride TSS VI 7 days
OTHER
Total trihalomethanes
(chloroform,
bromodichloromethane,
chlorodibromomethane
and bromoform) TSS VI 7 days
Haloacetic acids
(monochloroacetic acid,
dichloroacetic acid,
trichloroacetic acid,
monobromoacetic acid
and dibromoacetic acid) CA VAT 14 days
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES
Cesium - 137 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Iodine - 131 N P or V 180 days
Lead - 210 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Radium - 226 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Strontium - 90 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Tritium N P or V 180 days
Gross alpha activity AC or AN P or V 180 days
Gross beta activity AC or AN P or V 180 days
(1) The letters written in respect of preservatives prescribed in the tables of Part II correspond to the following preservatives, including the methodology of each of them.
PRESERVATIVE
AC Must contain HC1 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
AN Must contain HNO3 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
AS Must contain H2SO4 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
CA Must contain 1 mL of ammonium chloride per 100 mg/L of sample
EDA Must contain 1 mL of ethylene diamine, to 45 mg/L, per litre of
sample collected
N No preservative required
NaOH Must contain NaOH in sufficient concentration to overbase sample to
pH >12
TS Final concentration of 100 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
TS-1 Final concentration of 10 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
TSS Final concentration of 1,000 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
(2) The letters written in respect of types of containers prescribed in the tables of Part II correspond to the following types of containers:
TYPE OF CONTAINER
P Containers and cap coatings, if applicable, are made of the following
plastics: high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyvinyl chloride or Teflon
PO Opaque plastic container
PS Sterile non-toxic plastic container for bacteria
PY Clear or amber Pyrex glass bottle with lid with Teflon or aluminum
foil inner surface
V Clear or amber glass bottle
VAT Clear or amber glass bottle covered with aluminum foil, with lid with
Teflon or Teflon sheet or aluminum foil inner surface
VB Clear or amber glass bottle with lid with Teflon inner surface
VI Clear or amber glass bottle with cap with septum liner, filled to
capacity
VS Sterile glass bottle
VT Clear or amber glass bottle with lid with Teflon or Teflon sheet inner
surface
(3) Samples may be kept for a maximum period of 28 days, provided they are kept at all times at a temperature of -20 ºC.
SCHEDULE 4
(s. 30)
STANDARDS OF COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF WATER SAMPLES
TITLE I
STANDARDS OF COLLECTION OF SAMPLES
CHAPTER I
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES OTHER THAN RAW WATER
DIVISION I
GENERAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL COLLECTIONS OF SAMPLES OF WATER INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
(1) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects samples of water intended for human consumption must
(1) wash and dry their hands before collecting any sample;
(2) subject to sections 2 to 7 of this Schedule, collect the sample in a place representative of the quality of the water of the distribution system located at the centre of the distribution facility;
(3) collect the sample from a tap that is accessible to users or from a tap intended for sampling;
(4) collect the sample from a tap located inside a building or in a location protected from wind and bad weather;
(5) collect the sample from a tap that is not connected to an individual treatment appliance or system, except if that appliance is installed in each building in accordance with section 9.1 of this Regulation, in which case the sample must be collected from a tap downstream of the treatment;
(6) use only sampling containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister, except in the case of a measurement of residual chlorine or pH performed on the premises;
(7) collect the sample from the cold water tap by ensuring that the hot water tap is kept closed during sampling;
(8) let the tap run on moderate pressure for at least 5 minutes before collecting a sample; where the tap used has a valve that controls both cold and hot water, first let the hot water run for at least 2 minutes before letting the cold water run;
(9) carefully and tightly seal containers after sampling.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) use outside taps that are used to connect watering hoses;
(2) use mixing valves that provide controlled water temperature;
(3) let water overflow the container used for sampling;
(4) rinse containers provided by a laboratory before sampling;
(5) use metal sampling devices if the sampling is intended for metal analyses.
DIVISION II
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR A MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
(2) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples intended for a microbiological analysis must
(1) remove any accessory of the spout used for sampling, such as a vent, screen or rose head. If it cannot be removed, the sampling must be done from another tap that does not have such an accessory or whose accessory has been removed;
(2) clean the outside and inside of the spout using a single-use piece of paper or absorbent textile with commercial bleach;
(3) collect, after letting the tap run in the manner provided for in subparagraph 8 of the first paragraph of section 1 of this Schedule, samples in sterile containers, provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister, leaving an empty space of at least 2.5 cm between the surface of the liquid and the lid;
(4) make sure not to contaminate the container’s neck or lid during handling and minimize exposure of the container to open air during sampling.
DIVISION III
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR THE ANALYSIS OF LEAD AND COPPER
(3) The water samples provided for in section 14.1, to control lead and copper, must be collected in accordance with the following standards:
(1) the samples must be collected from the tap of a single-family dwelling or a residential building with less than 8 dwellings where piping or the service entrance is manufactured in lead or likely to be in lead;
(2) where all the buildings or dwellings referred to in paragraph 1 were sampled in the last 5 years or where no such building or dwelling may be located, the samples must then be collected from the tap of residential buildings whose piping has lead solders or is likely to contain such metal;
(3) where the distribution system serves educational institutions or health and social services institutions providing services to children 6 years of age or under, those institutions must be included in the sampling sites referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2. The samplings must be collected in accordance with the following:
— at least one of the samples provided for in section 14.1 must be collected in such an institution;
— no additional samples may be collected if such institutions have more than 10% of the samples provided for in section 14.1;
— despite the preceding requirements, each institution must not be sampled more than once every 5 years.
(4) The samples collected pursuant to section 14.1 must be collected at various civic addresses from year to year if their number so allows. A single sample must be collected per residence or institution.
The following precautions must be taken during sampling:
— if a tap has a vent, screen or rose head, it should not be removed;
— if possible, the samples must be collected from the cold water tap in the kitchen or the cold water tap most frequently used to supply drinking water.
DIVISION IV
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
(5) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples intended for the analysis of organic substances must
(1) collect samples in containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister by filling them to the brim;
(2) store samples away from light;
(3) except for haloacetic acids, perform the sampling in a site at the end of the distribution system.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) smoke while collecting or transporting samples;
(2) use an insect repellent product;
(3) perform samplings immediately after handling fuel;
(4) collect water samples in a bathroom that may contain chemical deodorants whose composition is identical to an organic compound that is being measured.
(6) When collecting samples intended for the analysis of a parameter provided for in the “Other organic substances” division of the table relating to the preservation standards of organic substances, the sample collector must remove the lid from the control container, commonly called “field blank”, which accompanies the container used for collecting samples. The control container and the sampling container must remain open for an equal time.
During that time, the sterile water content of the control container must not be changed or altered. Once their lid is back into place, the sampling container and the control are sent together to the analytical laboratory.
DIVISION V
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES FROM A TANK TRUCK
(7) Where water samples from a tank truck are collected in a site located at the 55th parallel or further south, the samples must be collected at the outlet of the tank. Where the samples are collected in a site located north of the 55th parallel, the samples must be collected at the outlet of the tank where the tank truck is supplied with water.
DIVISION VI
STANDARD APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED TO CHECK THE RETURN TO COMPLIANCE FOLLOWING AN EXCEEDANCE OF STANDARDS
(8) Where water samples are collected for the purpose of checking the return of the water to compliance with a microbiological standard, no sample may be collected before at least 48 hours have elapsed after raw water has been disinfected or the distribution facility has been superchlorinated.
DIVISION VII
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ANALYSES OF PH AND RESIDUAL CHLORINE PERFORMED BY THE SAMPLE COLLECTOR ON THE TREATED SAMPLING SITE
(9) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples to measure the pH or residual chlorine rate must
(1) prepare sampling containers so as to be free of any contaminant;
(2) perform the required measurement on the actual premises of the sampling and immediately before or after the sampling intended to be analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the Minister;
(3) perform the required measurement using an appliance offering an appropriate precision level, in accordance with section 32 of this Regulation.
In addition, no sample collector may use, for the purposes of these measurements, containers intended for sampling for microbiological analysis purposes likely to contain sodium thiosulfate.
CHAPTER II
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL RAW WATER SAMPLES
DIVISION I
GENERAL STANDARDS
(10) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of the provisions concerning the quality of raw water, collects raw water samples must
(1) use a tap located inside a building or in a location protected from wind and bad weather;
(2) use only sampling containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister;
(3) carefully and tightly seal containers after sampling.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) rinse containers provided by a laboratory before sampling;
(2) let water overflow the container used for sampling.
DIVISION II
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO RAW WATER SAMPLES FROM A GROUNDWATER CATCHMENT
(11) Where raw water originates from groundwater, the sample collector must
(1) collect the sample from the raw water tap closest to the well-head;
(2) prior to sampling, let the water run long enough to empty the tap run;
(3) collect the sample when the well pump is operating;
(4) in the case of a sample required following an exceedance of microbiological standard in the distribution facility, collect the sample prior to any clean-up or disinfection procedure of the well.
TITLE II
STANDARDS OF SAMPLE PRESERVATION METHODS
(12) Every person who collects water samples within the scope of this Regulation must ensure that the water samples are preserved for analysis purposes. For that purpose, the person must
(1) carefully pack containers used for sampling to avoid accidental breakage or leakage;
(2) use a cooler adequately insulated with appropriate cooling agents to ship samples.
Except where samples intended for the analysis of a parameter for which a provision of one of the following tables provides a preservation period at a temperature of -20 ºC, the sample collector may not at any time freeze samples or use cooling means likely to cause the freezing of samples during shipping.
In addition, the sample collector must, according to the parameter provided for in the following tables, ensure that the samples are treated using a preservative and according to the concentration indicated for that parameter. The samples thus treated must be kept in a container of the type indicated in the tables. The sample collector must also ensure that the period between the sampling and its analysis does not exceed the period referred to in the tables for those parameters.
Preservation standards of microbiological parameters
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
- Fecal coliform and
Escherichia coli
PS
- Total coliform TS or 48 hours
VS
- Enterococci
- F-specific
coliphage viruses
Preservation standards of inorganic substances
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
Antimony AN P or V 180 days
Arsenic AN P or V 180 days
Barium AN P or V 180 days
Boron AN P 180 days
Bromates EDA P 28 days
Cadmium AN P or V 180 days
Chlorates EDA P 28 days
Chlorites EDA PO 14 days
Chromium AN P or V 180 days
Copper AN P or V 180 days
Cyanides NaOH P or V 14 days
Fluorides N P 28 days
Free residual
chlorine N P or V 15 minutes
Lead AN P or V 180 days
Mercury AC or AN P or V 28 days
Phosphorus AS P 28 days
Nitrates and nitrites
(expressed as N) AS P or V 28 days
Nitrites N P or V 48 hours
pH N P or V 15 minutes
Selenium AN P or V 180 days
Temperature N P or V 15 minutes
Total residual chlorine N P or V 15 minutes
Turbidity N P or V 48 hours
Uranium AN P or V 180 days
Preservation standards of organic substances
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
PESTICIDES
Aldicarb and its
metabolites TS P 7 days
Aldrin and dieldrin N PY 7 days
Atrazine and its
metabolites N PY 7 days
Azinphos-methyl N PY 7 days
Bendiocarb N PY 7 days
Bromoxynil AS VT 21 days
Carbaryl N PY 7 days
Carbofuran N PY 7 days
(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)
acetic acid, also referred
to as MCPA AS VT 21 days
Chlorpyriphos N PY 7 days
Cyanazine N PY 7 days
Diazinon N PY 7 days
Dicamba AS VT 21 days
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic
acid, also referred to as
2,4-D AS VT 21 days
Diclofop-methyl AS VT 21 days
Dimethoate N PY 7 days
Dinoseb AS VT 21 days
Diquat N P 7 days (3)
Diuron N PY 7 days
Glyphosate TS P 14 days (3)
Malathion N PY 7 days
Metholachlor N PY 7 days
Methoxychlor N PY 7 days
Metribuzin N PY 7 days
Paraquat (in dichlorides) N P 7 days (3)
Parathion N PY 7 days
Phorate N PY 7 days
Picloram AS VT 21 days
Simazine N PY 7 days
Terbufos N PY 7 days
Trifluralin N PY 7 days
OTHER ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
Benzene TSS VI 7 days
Benzo (a) pyrene AS VAT 7 days
Carbon tetrachloride TSS VI 7 days
1,2-dichlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
1,4-dichlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
1,2-dichloroethane TSS VI 7 days
1,1-dichloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
Dichloromethane TSS VI 7 days
2,4-dichlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Microcystins (expressed
as microcystin-LR
toxic equivalents) TS-1 VT 7 days
Monochlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
Nitrilotriacetic
acid (NTA) N P 7 days
Pentachlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Tetrachloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Trichloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
2,4,6-trichlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Vinyl chloride TSS VI 7 days
OTHER
Total trihalomethanes
(chloroform,
bromodichloromethane,
chlorodibromomethane
and bromoform) TSS VI 7 days
Haloacetic acids
(monochloroacetic acid,
dichloroacetic acid,
trichloroacetic acid,
monobromoacetic acid
and dibromoacetic acid) CA VAT 14 days
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES
Cesium - 137 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Iodine - 131 N P or V 180 days
Lead - 210 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Radium - 226 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Strontium - 90 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Tritium N P or V 180 days
Gross alpha activity AC or AN P or V 180 days
Gross beta activity AC or AN P or V 180 days
(1) The letters written in respect of preservatives prescribed in the tables of Part II correspond to the following preservatives, including the methodology of each of them.
PRESERVATIVE
AC Must contain HC1 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
AN Must contain HNO3 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
AS Must contain H2SO4 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
CA Must contain 1 mL of ammonium chloride per 100 mg/L of sample
EDA Must contain 1 mL of ethylene diamine, to 45 mg/L, per litre of
sample collected
N No preservative required
NaOH Must contain NaOH in sufficient concentration to overbase sample to
pH >12
TS Final concentration of 100 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
TS-1 Final concentration of 10 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
TSS Final concentration of 1,000 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
(2) The letters written in respect of types of containers prescribed in the tables of Part II correspond to the following types of containers:
TYPE OF CONTAINER
P Containers and cap coatings, if applicable, are made of the following
plastics: high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyvinyl chloride or Teflon
PO Opaque plastic container
PS Sterile non-toxic plastic container for bacteria
PY Clear or amber Pyrex glass bottle with lid with Teflon or aluminum
foil inner surface
V Clear or amber glass bottle
VAT Clear or amber glass bottle covered with aluminum foil, with lid with
Teflon or Teflon sheet or aluminum foil inner surface
VB Clear or amber glass bottle with lid with Teflon inner surface
VI Clear or amber glass bottle with cap with septum liner, filled to
capacity
VS Sterile glass bottle
VT Clear or amber glass bottle with lid with Teflon or Teflon sheet inner
surface
(3) Samples may be kept for a maximum period of 28 days, provided they are kept at all times at a temperature of -20 ºC.
SCHEDULE 4
(s. 30)
STANDARDS OF COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF WATER SAMPLES
TITLE I
STANDARDS OF COLLECTION OF SAMPLES
CHAPTER I
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES OTHER THAN RAW WATER
DIVISION I
GENERAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL COLLECTIONS OF SAMPLES OF WATER INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
(1) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects samples of water intended for human consumption must
(1) wash and dry their hands before collecting any sample;
(2) subject to sections 2 to 7 of this Schedule, collect the sample in a place representative of the quality of the water of the distribution system located at the centre of the distribution facility;
(3) collect the sample from a tap that is accessible to users or from a tap intended for sampling;
(4) collect the sample from a tap located inside a building or in a location protected from wind and bad weather;
(5) collect the sample from a tap that is not connected to an individual treatment appliance or system, except if that appliance is installed in each building in accordance with section 9.1 of this Regulation, in which case the sample must be collected from a tap downstream of the treatment;
(6) use only sampling containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister, except in the case of a measurement of residual chlorine or pH performed on the premises;
(7) collect the sample from the cold water tap by ensuring that the hot water tap is kept closed during sampling;
(8) let the tap run on moderate pressure for at least 5 minutes before collecting a sample; where the tap used has a valve that controls both cold and hot water, first let the hot water run for at least 2 minutes before letting the cold water run;
(9) carefully and tightly seal containers after sampling.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) use outside taps that are used to connect watering hoses;
(2) use mixing valves that provide controlled water temperature;
(3) let water overflow the container used for sampling;
(4) rinse containers provided by a laboratory before sampling;
(5) use metal sampling devices if the sampling is intended for metal analyses.
DIVISION II
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR A MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
(2) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples intended for a microbiological analysis must
(1) remove any accessory of the spout used for sampling, such as a vent, screen or rose head. If it cannot be removed, the sampling must be done from another tap that does not have such an accessory or whose accessory has been removed;
(2) clean the outside and inside of the spout using a single-use piece of paper or absorbent textile with commercial bleach;
(3) collect, after letting the tap run in the manner provided for in subparagraph 8 of the first paragraph of section 1 of this Schedule, samples in sterile containers, provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister, leaving an empty space of at least 2.5 cm between the surface of the liquid and the lid;
(4) make sure not to contaminate the container’s neck or lid during handling and minimize exposure of the container to open air during sampling.
DIVISION III
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR THE ANALYSIS OF LEAD AND COPPER
(3) The water samples provided for in section 14.1, to control lead and copper, must be collected in accordance with the following standards:
(1) the samples must be collected from the tap of a single-family dwelling or a residential building with less than 8 dwellings where piping or the service entrance is manufactured in lead or likely to be in lead;
(2) where all the buildings or dwellings referred to in paragraph 1 were sampled in the last 5 years or where no such building or dwelling may be located, the samples must then be collected from the tap of residential buildings whose piping has lead solders or is likely to contain such metal;
(3) where the distribution system serves educational institutions or health and social services institutions providing services to children 6 years of age or under, those institutions must be included in the sampling sites referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2. The samplings must be collected in accordance with the following:
— at least one of the samples provided for in section 14.1 must be collected in such an institution;
— no additional samples may be collected if such institutions have more than 10% of the samples provided for in section 14.1;
— despite the preceding requirements, each institution must not be sampled more than once every 5 years.
(4) The samples collected pursuant to section 14.1 must be collected at various civic addresses from year to year if their number so allows. A single sample must be collected per residence or institution.
The following precautions must be taken during sampling:
— if a tap has a vent, screen or rose head, it should not be removed;
— if possible, the samples must be collected from the cold water tap in the kitchen or the cold water tap most frequently used to supply drinking water.
DIVISION IV
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
(5) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples intended for the analysis of organic substances must
(1) collect samples in containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister by filling them to the brim;
(2) store samples away from light;
(3) except for haloacetic acids, perform the sampling in a site at the end of the distribution system.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) smoke while collecting or transporting samples;
(2) use an insect repellent product;
(3) perform samplings immediately after handling fuel;
(4) collect water samples in a bathroom that may contain chemical deodorants whose composition is identical to an organic compound that is being measured.
(6) When collecting samples intended for the analysis of a parameter provided for in the “Other organic substances” division of the table relating to the preservation standards of organic substances, the sample collector must remove the lid from the control container, commonly called “field blank”, which accompanies the container used for collecting samples. The control container and the sampling container must remain open for an equal time.
During that time, the sterile water content of the control container must not be changed or altered. Once their lid is back into place, the sampling container and the control are sent together to the analytical laboratory.
DIVISION V
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES FROM A TANK TRUCK
(7) Where water samples from a tank truck are collected in a site located at the 55th parallel or further south, the samples must be collected at the outlet of the tank. Where the samples are collected in a site located north of the 55th parallel, the samples must be collected at the outlet of the tank where the tank truck is supplied with water.
DIVISION VI
STANDARD APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED TO CHECK THE RETURN TO COMPLIANCE FOLLOWING AN EXCEEDANCE OF STANDARDS
(8) Where water samples are collected for the purpose of checking the return of the water to compliance with a microbiological standard, no sample may be collected before at least 48 hours have elapsed after raw water has been disinfected or the distribution facility has been superchlorinated.
DIVISION VII
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ANALYSES OF PH AND RESIDUAL CHLORINE PERFORMED BY THE SAMPLE COLLECTOR ON THE TREATED SAMPLING SITE
(9) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples to measure the pH or residual chlorine rate must
(1) prepare sampling containers so as to be free of any contaminant;
(2) perform the required measurement on the actual premises of the sampling and immediately before or after the sampling intended to be analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the Minister;
(3) perform the required measurement using an appliance offering an appropriate precision level, in accordance with section 32 of this Regulation.
In addition, no sample collector may use, for the purposes of these measurements, containers intended for sampling for microbiological analysis purposes likely to contain sodium thiosulfate.
CHAPTER II
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL RAW WATER SAMPLES
DIVISION I
GENERAL STANDARDS
(10) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of the provisions concerning the quality of raw water, collects raw water samples must
(1) use a tap located inside a building or in a location protected from wind and bad weather;
(2) use only sampling containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister;
(3) carefully and tightly seal containers after sampling.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) rinse containers provided by a laboratory before sampling;
(2) let water overflow the container used for sampling.
DIVISION II
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO RAW WATER SAMPLES FROM A GROUNDWATER CATCHMENT
(11) Where raw water originates from groundwater, the sample collector must
(1) collect the sample from the raw water tap closest to the well-head;
(2) prior to sampling, let the water run long enough to empty the tap run;
(3) collect the sample when the well pump is operating;
(4) in the case of a sample required following an exceedance of microbiological standard in the distribution facility, collect the sample prior to any clean-up or disinfection procedure of the well.
TITLE II
STANDARDS OF SAMPLE PRESERVATION METHODS
(12) Every person who collects water samples within the scope of this Regulation must ensure that the water samples are preserved for analysis purposes. For that purpose, the person must
(1) carefully pack containers used for sampling to avoid accidental breakage or leakage;
(2) use a cooler adequately insulated with appropriate cooling agents to ship samples.
Except where samples intended for the analysis of a parameter for which a provision of one of the following tables provides a preservation period at a temperature of -20 ºC, the sample collector may not at any time freeze samples or use cooling means likely to cause the freezing of samples during shipping.
In addition, the sample collector must, according to the parameter provided for in the following tables, ensure that the samples are treated using a preservative and according to the concentration indicated for that parameter. The samples thus treated must be kept in a container of the type indicated in the tables. The sample collector must also ensure that the period between the sampling and its analysis does not exceed the period referred to in the tables for those parameters.
Preservation standards of microbiological parameters
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
- Fecal coliform and
Escherichia coli
PS
- Total coliform TS or 48 hours
VS
- Enterococci
- F-specific
coliphage viruses
Preservation standards of inorganic substances
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
Antimony AN P or V 180 days
Arsenic AN P or V 180 days
Barium AN P or V 180 days
Boron AN P 180 days
Bromates EDA P 28 days
Cadmium AN P or V 180 days
Chlorates EDA P 28 days
Chlorites EDA PO 14 days
Chromium AN P or V 180 days
Copper AN P or V 180 days
Cyanides NaOH P or V 14 days
Fluorides N P 28 days
Free residual
chlorine N P or V 15 minutes
Lead AN P or V 180 days
Mercury AC or AN P or V 28 days
Nitrates and nitrites
(expressed as N) AS P or V 28 days
Nitrites N P or V 48 hours
pH N P or V 15 minutes
Selenium AN P or V 180 days
Temperature N P or V 15 minutes
Total residual chlorine N P or V 15 minutes
Turbidity N P or V 48 hours
Uranium AN P or V 180 days
Preservation standards of organic substances
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
PESTICIDES
Aldicarb and its
metabolites TS P 7 days
Aldrin and dieldrin N PY 7 days
Atrazine and its
metabolites N PY 7 days
Azinphos-methyl N PY 7 days
Bendiocarb N PY 7 days
Bromoxynil AS VT 21 days
Carbaryl N PY 7 days
Carbofuran N PY 7 days
(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)
acetic acid, also referred
to as MCPA AS VT 21 days
Chlorpyriphos N PY 7 days
Cyanazine N PY 7 days
Diazinon N PY 7 days
Dicamba AS VT 21 days
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic
acid, also referred to as
2,4-D AS VT 21 days
Diclofop-methyl AS VT 21 days
Dimethoate N PY 7 days
Dinoseb AS VT 21 days
Diquat N P 7 days (3)
Diuron N PY 7 days
Glyphosate TS P 14 days (3)
Malathion N PY 7 days
Metholachlor N PY 7 days
Methoxychlor N PY 7 days
Metribuzin N PY 7 days
Paraquat (in dichlorides) N P 7 days (3)
Parathion N PY 7 days
Phorate N PY 7 days
Picloram AS VT 21 days
Simazine N PY 7 days
Terbufos N PY 7 days
Trifluralin N PY 7 days
OTHER ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
Benzene TSS VI 7 days
Benzo (a) pyrene AS VAT 7 days
Carbon tetrachloride TSS VI 7 days
1,2-dichlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
1,4-dichlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
1,2-dichloroethane TSS VI 7 days
1,1-dichloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
Dichloromethane TSS VI 7 days
2,4-dichlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Microcystins (expressed
as microcystin-LR
toxic equivalents) TS-1 VT 7 days
Monochlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
Nitrilotriacetic
acid (NTA) N P 7 days
Pentachlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Tetrachloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Trichloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
2,4,6-trichlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Vinyl chloride TSS VI 7 days
OTHER
Total trihalomethanes
(chloroform,
bromodichloromethane,
chlorodibromomethane
and bromoform) TSS VI 7 days
Haloacetic acids
(monochloroacetic acid,
dichloroacetic acid,
trichloroacetic acid,
monobromoacetic acid
and dibromoacetic acid) CA VAT 14 days
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES
Cesium - 137 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Iodine - 131 N P or V 180 days
Lead - 210 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Radium - 226 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Strontium - 90 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Tritium N P or V 180 days
Gross alpha activity AC or AN P or V 180 days
Gross beta activity AC or AN P or V 180 days
(1) The letters written in respect of preservatives prescribed in the tables of Part II correspond to the following preservatives, including the methodology of each of them.
PRESERVATIVE
AC Must contain HC1 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
AN Must contain HNO3 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
AS Must contain H2SO4 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
CA Must contain 1 mL of ammonium chloride per 100 mg/L of sample
EDA Must contain 1 mL of ethylene diamine, to 45 mg/L, per litre of
sample collected
N No preservative required
NaOH Must contain NaOH in sufficient concentration to overbase sample to
pH >12
TS Final concentration of 100 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
TS-1 Final concentration of 10 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
TSS Final concentration of 1,000 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
(2) The letters written in respect of types of containers prescribed in the tables of Part II correspond to the following types of containers:
TYPE OF CONTAINER
P Containers and cap coatings, if applicable, are made of the following
plastics: high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyvinyl chloride or Teflon
PO Opaque plastic container
PS Sterile non-toxic plastic container for bacteria
PY Clear or amber Pyrex glass bottle with lid with Teflon or aluminum
foil inner surface
V Clear or amber glass bottle
VAT Clear or amber glass bottle covered with aluminum foil, with lid with
Teflon or Teflon sheet or aluminum foil inner surface
VB Clear or amber glass bottle with lid with Teflon inner surface
VI Clear or amber glass bottle with cap with septum liner, filled to
capacity
VS Sterile glass bottle
VT Clear or amber glass bottle with lid with Teflon or Teflon sheet inner
surface
(3) Samples may be kept for a maximum period of 28 days, provided they are kept at all times at a temperature of -20 ºC.
SCHEDULE 4
(s. 30)
STANDARDS OF COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF WATER SAMPLES
TITLE I
STANDARDS OF COLLECTION OF SAMPLES
CHAPTER I
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES OTHER THAN RAW WATER
DIVISION I
GENERAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL COLLECTIONS OF SAMPLES OF WATER INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
(1) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects samples of water intended for human consumption must
(1) wash and dry their hands before collecting any sample;
(2) subject to sections 2 to 7 of this Schedule, collect the sample in a place representative of the quality of the water of the distribution system located at the centre of the distribution facility;
(3) collect the sample from a tap that is accessible to users or from a tap intended for sampling;
(4) collect the sample from a tap located inside a building or in a location protected from wind and bad weather;
(5) collect the sample from a tap that is not connected to an individual treatment appliance or system, except if that appliance is installed in each building in accordance with section 9.1 of this Regulation, in which case the sample must be collected from a tap downstream of the treatment;
(6) use only sampling containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister, except in the case of a measurement of residual chlorine or pH performed on the premises;
(7) collect the sample from the cold water tap by ensuring that the hot water tap is kept closed during sampling;
(8) let the tap run on moderate pressure for at least 5 minutes before collecting a sample; where the tap used has a valve that controls both cold and hot water, first let the hot water run for at least 2 minutes before letting the cold water run;
(9) carefully and tightly seal containers after sampling.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) use outside taps that are used to connect watering hoses;
(2) use mixing valves that provide controlled water temperature;
(3) let water overflow the container used for sampling;
(4) rinse containers provided by a laboratory before sampling;
(5) use metal sampling devices if the sampling is intended for metal analyses.
DIVISION II
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR A MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
(2) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples intended for a microbiological analysis must
(1) remove any accessory of the spout used for sampling, such as a vent, screen or rose head. If it cannot be removed, the sampling must be done from another tap that does not have such an accessory or whose accessory has been removed;
(2) clean the outside and inside of the spout using a single-use piece of paper or absorbent textile with commercial bleach;
(3) collect, after letting the tap run in the manner provided for in subparagraph 8 of the first paragraph of section 1 of this Schedule, samples in sterile containers, provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister, leaving an empty space of at least 2.5 cm between the surface of the liquid and the lid;
(4) make sure not to contaminate the container’s neck or lid during handling and minimize exposure of the container to open air during sampling.
DIVISION III
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR THE ANALYSIS OF LEAD AND COPPER
(3) The water samples provided for in section 14.1, to control lead and copper, must be collected in accordance with the following standards:
(1) the samples must be collected from the tap of a single-family dwelling or a residential building with less than 8 dwellings where piping or the service entrance is manufactured in lead or likely to be in lead;
(2) where all the buildings or dwellings referred to in paragraph 1 were sampled in the last 5 years or where no such building or dwelling may be located, the samples must then be collected from the tap of residential buildings whose piping has lead solders or is likely to contain such metal;
(3) where the distribution system serves educational institutions or health and social services institutions providing services to children 6 years of age or under, those institutions must be included in the sampling sites referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2. The samplings must be collected in accordance with the following:
— at least one of the samples provided for in section 14.1 must be collected in such an institution;
— no additional samples may be collected if such institutions have more than 10% of the samples provided for in section 14.1;
— despite the preceding requirements, each institution must not be sampled more than once every 5 years.
(4) The samples collected pursuant to section 14.1 must be collected at various civic addresses from year to year if their number so allows. A single sample must be collected per residence or institution.
The following precautions must be taken during sampling:
— if a tap has a vent, screen or rose head, it should not be removed;
— if possible, the samples must be collected from the cold water tap in the kitchen or the cold water tap most frequently used to supply drinking water.
DIVISION IV
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
(5) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples intended for the analysis of organic substances must
(1) collect samples in containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister, leaving no empty space between the surface of the liquid and the lid;
(2) store samples away from light;
(3) except for haloacetic acids, perform the sampling in a site at the end of the distribution system.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) smoke while collecting or transporting samples;
(2) use an insect repellent product;
(3) perform samplings immediately after handling fuel;
(4) collect water samples in a bathroom that may contain chemical deodorants whose composition is identical to an organic compound that is being measured.
(6) When collecting samples intended for the analysis of a parameter provided for in the “Other organic substances” division of the table relating to the preservation standards of organic substances, the sample collector must remove the lid from the control container, commonly called “field blank”, which accompanies the container used for collecting samples. The control container and the sampling container must remain open for an equal time.
During that time, the sterile water content of the control container must not be changed or altered. Once their lid is back into place, the sampling container and the control are sent together to the analytical laboratory.
DIVISION V
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES FROM A TANK TRUCK
(7) Where water samples from a tank truck are collected in a site located at the 55th parallel or further south, the samples must be collected at the outlet of the tank. Where the samples are collected in a site located north of the 55th parallel, the samples must be collected at the outlet of the tank where the tank truck is supplied with water.
DIVISION VI
STANDARD APPLICABLE TO THE COLLECTION OF WATER SAMPLES INTENDED TO CHECK THE RETURN TO COMPLIANCE FOLLOWING AN EXCEEDANCE OF STANDARDS
(8) Where water samples are collected for the purpose of checking the return of the water to compliance with a microbiological standard, no sample may be collected before at least 48 hours have elapsed after raw water has been disinfected or the distribution facility has been superchlorinated.
DIVISION VII
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ANALYSES OF PH AND RESIDUAL CHLORINE PERFORMED BY THE SAMPLE COLLECTOR ON THE TREATED SAMPLING SITE
(9) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of this Regulation, collects water samples to measure the pH or residual chlorine rate must
(1) prepare sampling containers so as to be free of any contaminant;
(2) perform the required measurement on the actual premises of the sampling and immediately before or after the sampling intended to be analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the Minister;
(3) perform the required measurement using an appliance offering an appropriate precision level, in accordance with section 32 of this Regulation.
In addition, no sample collector may use, for the purposes of these measurements, containers intended for sampling for microbiological analysis purposes likely to contain sodium thiosulfate.
CHAPTER II
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL RAW WATER SAMPLES
DIVISION I
GENERAL STANDARDS
(10) Every sample collector who, for the purposes of the provisions concerning the quality of raw water, collects raw water samples must
(1) use a tap located inside a building or in a location protected from wind and bad weather;
(2) use only sampling containers provided by a laboratory accredited by the Minister;
(3) carefully and tightly seal containers after sampling.
In addition, no sample collector may
(1) rinse containers provided by a laboratory before sampling;
(2) let water overflow the container used for sampling.
DIVISION II
SPECIAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO RAW WATER SAMPLES FROM A GROUNDWATER CATCHMENT
(11) Where raw water originates from groundwater, the sample collector must
(1) collect the sample from the raw water tap closest to the well-head;
(2) prior to sampling, let the water run long enough to empty the tap run;
(3) collect the sample when the well pump is operating;
(4) in the case of a sample required following an exceedance of microbiological standard in the distribution facility, collect the sample prior to any clean-up or disinfection procedure of the well.
TITLE II
STANDARDS OF SAMPLE PRESERVATION METHODS
(12) Every person who collects water samples within the scope of this Regulation must ensure that the water samples are preserved for analysis purposes. For that purpose, the person must
(1) carefully pack containers used for sampling to avoid accidental breakage or leakage;
(2) use a cooler adequately insulated with appropriate cooling agents to ship samples.
Except where samples intended for the analysis of a parameter for which a provision of one of the following tables provides a preservation period at a temperature of -20 ºC, the sample collector may not at any time freeze samples or use cooling means likely to cause the freezing of samples during shipping.
In addition, the sample collector must, according to the parameter provided for in the following tables, ensure that the samples are treated using a preservative and according to the concentration indicated for that parameter. The samples thus treated must be kept in a container of the type indicated in the tables. The sample collector must also ensure that the period between the sampling and its analysis does not exceed the period referred to in the tables for those parameters.
Preservation standards of microbiological parameters
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
- Fecal coliform and
Escherichia coli
PS
- Total coliform TS or 48 hours
VS
- Enterococci
- F-specific
coliphage viruses
Preservation standards of inorganic substances
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
Antimony AN P or V 180 days
Arsenic AN P or V 180 days
Barium AN P or V 180 days
Boron AN P 180 days
Bromates EDA P 28 days
Cadmium AN P or V 180 days
Chlorates EDA P 28 days
Chlorites EDA PO 14 days
Chromium AN P or V 180 days
Copper AN P or V 180 days
Cyanides NaOH P or V 14 days
Fluorides N P 28 days
Free residual
chlorine N P or V 15 minutes
Lead AN P or V 180 days
Mercury AC or AN P or V 28 days
Nitrates and nitrites
(expressed as N) AS P or V 28 days
Nitrites N P or V 48 hours
pH N P or V 15 minutes
Selenium AN P or V 180 days
Temperature N P or V 15 minutes
Total residual chlorine N P or V 15 minutes
Turbidity N P or V 48 hours
Uranium AN P or V 180 days
Preservation standards of organic substances
Parameter Preservative Type of Maximum
container preservation period
(1) (2)
PESTICIDES
Aldicarb and its
metabolites TS P 7 days
Aldrin and dieldrin N PY 7 days
Atrazine and its
metabolites N PY 7 days
Azinphos-methyl N PY 7 days
Bendiocarb N PY 7 days
Bromoxynil AS VT 21 days
Carbaryl N PY 7 days
Carbofuran N PY 7 days
(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)
acetic acid, also referred
to as MCPA AS VT 21 days
Chlorpyriphos N PY 7 days
Cyanazine N PY 7 days
Diazinon N PY 7 days
Dicamba AS VT 21 days
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic
acid, also referred to as
2,4-D AS VT 21 days
Diclofop-methyl AS VT 21 days
Dimethoate N PY 7 days
Dinoseb AS VT 21 days
Diquat N P 7 days (3)
Diuron N PY 7 days
Glyphosate TS P 14 days (3)
Malathion N PY 7 days
Metholachlor N PY 7 days
Methoxychlor N PY 7 days
Metribuzin N PY 7 days
Paraquat (in dichlorides) N P 7 days (3)
Parathion N PY 7 days
Phorate N PY 7 days
Picloram AS VT 21 days
Simazine N PY 7 days
Terbufos N PY 7 days
Trifluralin N PY 7 days
OTHER ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
Benzene TSS VI 7 days
Benzo (a) pyrene AS VAT 7 days
Carbon tetrachloride TSS VI 7 days
1,2-dichlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
1,4-dichlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
1,2-dichloroethane TSS VI 7 days
1,1-dichloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
Dichloromethane TSS VI 7 days
2,4-dichlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Microcystins (expressed
as microcystin-LR
toxic equivalents) TS-1 VT 7 days
Monochlorobenzene TSS VI 7 days
Nitrilotriacetic
acid (NTA) N P 7 days
Pentachlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Tetrachloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Trichloroethylene TSS VI 7 days
2,4,6-trichlorophenol AS VB 14 days
Vinyl chloride TSS VI 7 days
OTHER
Total trihalomethanes
(chloroform,
bromodichloromethane,
chlorodibromomethane
and bromoform) TSS VI 7 days
Haloacetic acids
(monochloroacetic acid,
dichloroacetic acid,
trichloroacetic acid,
monobromoacetic acid
and dibromoacetic acid) CA VAT 14 days
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES
Cesium - 137 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Iodine - 131 N P or V 180 days
Lead - 210 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Radium - 226 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Strontium - 90 AC or AN P or V 180 days
Tritium N P or V 180 days
Gross alpha activity AC or AN P or V 180 days
Gross beta activity AC or AN P or V 180 days
(1) The letters written in respect of preservatives prescribed in the tables of Part II correspond to the following preservatives, including the methodology of each of them.
PRESERVATIVE
AC Must contain HCI in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
AN Must contain HNO3 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
AS Must contain H2SO4 in sufficient concentration to acidify sample to
pH <2
CA Must contain 1 mL of ammonium chloride per litre of sample
EDA Must contain 1 mL of ethylene diamine, to 45 mg/L, per litre of
sample collected
N No preservative required
NaOH Must contain NaOH in sufficient concentration to overbase sample to
pH >12
TS Final concentration of 100 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
TS-1 Final concentration of 10 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
TSS Final concentration of 1,000 mg/L of sodium thiosulfate
(2) The letters written in respect of types of containers prescribed in the tables of Part II correspond to the following types of containers:
TYPE OF CONTAINER
P Bottles and cap coatings are made of the following plastics:
high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyvinyl chloride or Teflon
PO Opaque plastic bottle
PS Sterile non-toxic plastic bottle for bacteria
PY Clear or amber Pyrex glass bottle with lid with Teflon or aluminum
foil inner surface
V Clear or amber glass bottle
VAT Clear or amber glass bottle covered with aluminum foil, with lid with
Teflon or Teflon sheet or aluminum foil inner surface
VB Clear or amber glass bottle with lid with Teflon inner surface
VI Clear or amber glass bottle with cap with septum liner, filled to
capacity
VS Sterile glass bottle
VT Clear or amber glass bottle with lid with Teflon or Teflon sheet inner
surface
(3) Samples may be kept for a maximum period of 28 days, provided they are kept at all times at a temperature of -20 ºC.
